Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Weather: Overcast for the first hour or so: an interesting stratus formation, looking furrowed or ribbed, then, as it opened up, resembling a blanket of cotton balls. The cloud-cover then diminished rapidly from 100% to 85%, 20%, and 5%). Wind NE 6-9 mph until noon EDT, then E and finally variable 0-4 mph. Temperature 38-46 F.
Raptor Observations: FINALLY! Just northeast of the Hill at 10:20 EDT, a juvenile Golden Eagle abruptly materialized flying low, accompanied by a dozen or so crows, and headed straight towards me. As Goldens so often do, it would pause in its progress and wheel slowly, royally. For a quarter of an hour, I had views, from every angle, of this magnificent bird. The flat light (the sky was still overcast) was perfect for making out every detail of the plumage. The coconut-white coloration of the underwing patches and the basal two-thirds of the tail really popped against the rest of the dark brown body and wings. Later, a Gray Ghost flew directly over my head in the clear blue and, but for the eagle, would have been the bird of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese ca. 300, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Down Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crows 12, Common Ravens 2, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebirds 4, Hermit Thrush, American Robins ca. 60, Purple Finches 2, Pine Siskins 2, American Goldfinch.
Predictions: Execrable east wind, and not much of it. No watch planned. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
