Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Linda Goodhue, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Mike, Peter and Noel for helping out and keeping me company during the day. Linda visited us for a while. We were kept busy with two school groups accompanied by Kirsten from ERCA who enjoyed seeing the Pelicans and other marsh birds. It was good to meet Rob and Ron from Belle River and to see Chuck C again.
Weather: Hazy all day, limiting visibility. The moderate wind was from the South. Cloudy skies with a comfortable temperature starting at 15c and ending the day at 22c. The pressure dropped 5 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A very quiet day with quality rather than quantity. A Golden Eagle, American Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin and a close-ish 'grey ghost' male Northern Harrier provided the quality. Turkey Vultures (41) and Red-tailed Hawks (15) were the only species reaching double figures.
Non-raptor Observations: Water birds ruled the day with large numbers of Ducks now on the marsh and a good variety of twelve species, including a single Greater Scaup, Ruddy Duck (6) and Bufflehead (3). American White Pelicans (332) continue to entertain and it was nice to see a water dance of Pied-billed Grebes (19) in the corner of the marsh close to the Tower. Cedar Waxwings (305) made a return with flocks flying over most of the day. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S200746562
Predictions: Tomorrow similar conditions are forecast with a slightly stronger wind from the south. Temperatures will be slightly higher. Hopefully the stronger wind may attract more birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
