Visitors: Thanks to Corinne for helping out all day today, taking a Volunteer day from work. Thanks to Liz, Mike, Noel and Juliette who also helped out observing. It was good to meet Catherine and Sheila who took an interest in the Hawk Count and birds on the marsh. A Group who are currently planting trees to enhance Prothonotary Warbler breeding habitat in the park were also able to see a Red-tailed Hawk brought to the tower by Chip and released.
Weather: Wind from the east moderate initially growing stronger in the afternoon. Temperature 2c initially rising to about 10c. Sky gradually became overcast by early afternoon. Visibility good, Pressure fell 16 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A bit different to yesterday, most of the flight was in the first three hours in the morning. Red-tailed Hawks (72) were the majority, with Turkey Vultures (15) a distant second. All the others didn't make it into double figures. It was good to spot two Golden Eagles, an early one at 8.48 and a late morning one at 10.52. A fast fly past of a Peregrine Falcon was also a highlight.
Non-raptor Observations: Flights of songbirds over Tower was much reduced with only American Goldfinches (218) reaching decent numbers. Blackbirds almost disappeared today with Rusty Blackbirds (74) the only species reaching double figures. American Crows (230) were also much reduced. It was nice to see a few Eastern Bluebirds perched in the trees to the east. With the exception of Gadwall (1684) and Mallard (1200) duck numbers have reduced, but diversity was again good with thirteen species seen. Hooded Merganser (3) were particularly active spending time flying around the marsh. The List is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202415534
Predictions: Rain is forecast for all day tomorrow with a moderate SE wind. We shall see whether it is worth undertaking the count but in any event not much is likely to be flying, unless the weather is different to the forecast. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
