Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Jon Skinner, Melissa Aldrich
Visitors: My thanks to Jon Skinner and Melissa Aldrich for coming out and sticking around on this windy day. It was great watching for the birds and catching up with both of you.
Many hundreds of sightseers, hikers and bikers. Most didn't hang around on the platform for very long.
Weather: A very windy day on the mountain - WSW to NW winds averaging 10-15 mph with frequent gusts to 20+ mph and occasional 30 mph gusts. Temps from 48 to 58 F, and sunny to mostly sunny skies. There was a light haze that obscured the more distant NH mountains in the morning, but all other landmarks were easily visible. 50-ish% humidity in the morning dropped below 30% by mid-afternoon.
Raptor Observations: The strong gusty winds made following the few migrating birds that we could find difficult. After spotting only 2 migrants and 7 local raptors in the first 3 hours, and getting tired of getting pummeled by the wind, we moved from the summit down to the North Rd overlook where we spent the final 2 1/2 hours and counted 14 more birds. The first Harrier that we saw really struggled against the wind while the first Bald Eagle moved slowly but steadily.
Non-migrating raptors: TV - 2 (minimum number, but very few up in the air) Bald Eagle - 3 (minimum number. 2 Ad, 1 Imm) Cooper's Hawk - 1 Red-tail - 5 Unidentified buteo - 1 (large, distant; possibly one of the Red-tails) Unidentified raptor - 1 (distant, couldn't keep optics steady on it due to the wind)
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Canada Goose - 88 (skeins of 18 & 70) Amer Black Duck - 7 GC Kinglet - 1 Blue Jay - 3 Amer Crow - 113 (109 on the move to W and SW - 48, 58 & 3; 4 local) Comm Raven - 1 DE Junco - 4
Predictions: MA DCR has decided to keep the summit road open to vehicles this Sunday instead of closing for the season today. It looks to be a better day to watch for hawks and for them to migrate. The winds are expected to moderate to a 10 to 12 mph average, coming out of the west. Mostly sunny skies with highs around 50 F. Dress warmly, and enjoy the extra day with easy access to the summit. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
