Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Kory Renaud, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Mike, Paul and Kory for keeping me company today. Some of the visitors to the tower showed an interest in the Hawk watch and the few remaining pelicans on the marsh.
Weather: The wind remained from the south but started moderate but reduced slightly in the afternoon. Overcast skies cleared very slightly in the late afternoon, allowing short bouts of sunshine. Temperature remained pretty much steady in low teens all day. Haze initially gradually cleared, improving visibility. Pressure fell 10 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day on the raptor front, with sightings of a single Merlin and Peregrine Falcon the high points. Red-tailed Hawks (5) were the most numerous with Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk at two a piece. A single Turkey Vulture floated by high to the north.
Non-raptor Observations: Ducks were again the main players today with twelve species seen. Gadwall (2230) and Mallard (1880) made up the majority with Ring-necked Duck (495) numbers decreasing. Fewer sparrow species were present around the tower, but it was good to see two Brown Creepers on a tree close to us. American Goldfinch (164) numbers are decreasing but it was a good day for Horned Larks (98). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202858911
Predictions: The forecast shows a northern component to the wind for the morning, switching south again in the afternoon. However the wind is light. Temperature will be about 10c under scattered clouds. Hopefully the wind from the north will bring a few more raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
