Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Paul Vanderhoof, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to Tom Gottschang and Paul Vanderhoof who came up on a cold, windy day to help out. Paul's friend Mike spent some time with us. Approximately 25 hikers passed by; a few stopped to chat.
Weather: Another windy day, but this time the winds were from the north. Clear "Blue screen of death" sky. Temps 40-44 F. Wind gusts at the summit and at Worcester airport were reported at 20-25 mph. The air was very dry and quite clear - visibility was very good.
Raptor Observations: Faced with the propect of gusty winds, we observed from the North Rd overlook where the wind speed varied quite a bit. Despite the northerly winds, we counted only 5 migrating birds, and a few locals. The local Red-tails made repeated appearances all session. We did get a really nice look at a migrating Red-shoulder and later at a local Cooper's Hawk as they passed nearby.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: A very good day for geese. Canada Goose - approx 253 (7 skeins) goose sp - approx 410 (5 skeins - likely Canada's, but too far away for positive ID) Comm Merganser - 1 Amer Black Duck - 6 N Bluebird - 1 Snow Bunting - 3 (minimum number) GC Kinglet - 2 Red-bellied WP - 1 Blue Jay - 2 Amer Crow - 80 (including groups of 25, 4, 14 & 34 headed west) Comm Raven - 2 BC Chickadee - 1 T Titmouse - 1 WB Nuthatch - 1
Predictions: The status of Sunday's watch is up in the air right now. The forecast is for SW winds at 10-15 mph with partly sunny skies and temps in the 40s. If we decide to go up, it will be to the North Rd overlook again. If you go up and no one is there, please send any sightings to Eric by email. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
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