Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Daniel Noznisky, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Moore
Visitors: 7, Deb G. and Tracy M. from PA.
Weather: Clear skies to start with a thin partial cirrus layer moving in. Light northeasterly winds. Cold with temps starting around freezing and only reaching the upper 40s.
Raptor Observations: Slow at the beginning and end but a nice push in the midday. Red-shouldered Hawks were most numerous with 43. Also a moderate red-tail flight with 14. Fewer vultures than recent days. A handful of harriers and Accips. No falcons.
Non-raptor Observations: 150 Canada Geese, 5 Common Loons, Belted Kingfisher, 3 Common Ravens, 5 Purple Finches, 3 Pine Siskins (flyovers), 2 Rusty Blackbirds, 1,500 Common Grackles, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S202395201
Predictions: Tomorrow: Cloudy. High 51F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Hard to tell from the forecast how thick the cloud layer will be. A thin layer could be good for thermals and spotting. A thicker layer may shorten the flight to the middle of the day. These conditions can sometimes result in good Red-shouldered Hawk flights. Quaker Ridge in Connecticut had a big day for them today (278) so there are still plenty north of us. Expect light to moderate migration for most species, with the possibility of a good Red-shouldered Hawk flight.
Friday: Mix of sun and clouds. High 57F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Good winds plus clouds to help with spotting. Expect moderate migration.
Saturday: Sunny. High 63F. Winds NW at 10-20mph. Good winds again. Expect moderate migration, but tough spotting. Could be a good day for eagles with the strong winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
