Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Heather Broddy, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Big thanks to Liz, Mike, Michael and Heather for keeping me company and helping observe throughout the day. Carol from Essex stayed for a while and was lucky to see the Golden Eagle with us. We were again visited by two classes of children guided by Emily from ERCA. They were enthralled by all the bird life on the Marsh, including of course the American White Pelicans.
Weather: Moderate wind from the south, with haze at distance. Very mild for the time of year with temperatures starting at 17c rising to 22c. Cloud cover gradually increased throughout the day and the pressure fell 7 points.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day with great views mid morning of an immature Golden Eagle to the north being the high spot. Apart from Turkey Vultures (166) no other species made it into double figures.
Non-raptor Observations: Another day dominated by ducks. Numbers are rising on the marsh, with eleven species seen. American White Pelicans (455) are still present, very mobile around the marsh. There was a significant movement of Blackbirds and Starlings at the beginning of the day with a combined flock of at least 15000 observed flying over the Tower. Starlings continued to fly past in large numbers throughout the day over the trees to the North and there was a constant chatter of blackbirds in the trees around the Tower. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S200844581
Predictions: A similar day is forecast tomorrow but with higher winds from the south, with an overcast sky. Temperatures remain high for the time of year. There is a chance of rain in the afternoon. Hopefully the higher wind may bring more raptors than the last couple of days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
