Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Peter Livengood
Observers: Bill Cline, Bob Stewart, Dave Darney, Dave Poder, Ed Gowarty,Jr., Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula, Jack Gilbert, Jim Rocco, Joe Sabo, Julian Grudens, Mark McConaughy, Nancy Ott, Paul Fritz, Regina Gaison, Ron Burkert, Tom & Janet Kuehl
Visitors: Incredible turnout today! Had over 40 visitors at a time, excitedly waiting for the Golden Eagles. Thanks to everyone who helped with spotting, identifying, photographing, and discussing the migrators raptors we saw today. Special shoutout to Julian (former counter at Hawk Ridge, MN) for his help today!
Weather: Sunny skies, with a variable backdrop of wispy cirrus clouds throughout the day. Steady ESE winds became lighter and inconsistent in the afternoon. Lots of valley haze in the early morning. Smoke plume was visible all day to the north from the brush fire at Canoe Creek State Park.
Raptor Observations: 43 migrating raptors. A little slower than we initially hoped for with East winds in Golden season, but certainly an enjoyable day. Most the of the eagles were low overhead and provided nice looks. Had a juvenile Red-tail take 2 passes at the owl on its way through. The eagles were mostly using powered flight in the late afternoon as the wind and lift disappeared.
Bald Eagles: sub @ 9:34, sub @ 1:46, juv @ 3:16.
Golden Eagles: ad @ 9:17, juv @ 12:38, sub @ 1:59, ad @ 2:01, sub @ 2:52, juv @ 2:54, ad @ 3:14, ad @ 3:14.
Non-raptor Observations: 50 Double-crested Cormorants, 45 Crows, 15+ Ravens, WB Nuthatch, BC Chickadee, DE Junco, AM Goldfinch.
Local RT, BE AD x2 (flying north), TV
Predictions: South winds and rain. Monday and Tuesday look to be W and NW winds. Wednesday may be the next best opportunity to see a Golden Eagle flight. Forecast is dry weather and SE winds. Come join us at the Watch and see what's flying!
I'm sure I missed some folks, and I know not everyone signed the guest book, but here are some of the fine folks that joined us today: Carol and Ed Martony, Bill Cline, Ray Fetzko, George and Terry Berkheimer, Chuck Kauric, Jack Gilbert, Nancy and Ed Ott, Ed Gowarty Sr. and Jr., Dave Poder, David Whipkey, Regina Gaison, Paul Fritz, Mark McConaughy, Tom and Janet Kuehl, Jim, Greg Gdula, Bob Stewart, Amy Henrici, Pat McShea, Steve, Jim Rocco, Amy Hill, John and Renee Float, Russell Mercer and family. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Peter Livengood (<Glivengood7...>)
