Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Bob Hall-Brooks, Liz Kent, Megan Irwin, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Big thanks to Mike for holding the fort as Official Counter for the first few hours. Liz, as always kept me company and Bob visited briefly. It was great to see Megan who generously brought hot drinks and snacks in the late morning.
Weather: Mist and haze to start, then a slight clearance before sleet and snow arrived early afternoon. There was a moderate to strong wind from the west south west all morning. It was the coldest day yet with the temperature not getting above 4c. Low pressure remained constant.
Raptor Observations: Only one raptor today, a Red-tailed Hawk that appeared when there was a slight clearance in the weather late morning.
Non-raptor Observations: Pretty much the same list as yesterday minus the overflight in the morning. Gadwall (1460) and Mallard (1800) numbers seem to be holding up, but Ring-necked Duck (242) and other duck species are decreasing. A decent flock of Red-breasted Merganser (242) appeared close by on the lake in the last couple of hours. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203202491
Predictions: The wind is forecast to be from the north west tomorrow, but strong and gusty, especially in the afternoon. Probably overcast but the temperature will rise to about 7c. Given the wind direction we may see a few more raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
