Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Michelle Mastellotto, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Mike and Liz for taking a spell as Counter today and Michael, Michelle and Noel for helping observe and count.
Weather: A very strong and gusty wind from the west initially, turning south west by the end of the day. It was good to see the sun now and again today with the sky gradually clearing. The temperature was around 6c, chilly in the wind. The visibility was good and the pressure remained constant.
Raptor Observations: Interestingly, Turkey Vultures (27) took the top spot, followed by Red-tailed Hawks (18) mostly taking a low northern flight line. Next were three male Northern Harriers, two visiting Harrier Island. A couple of adult Bald Eagles looked determined to head off west and two Sharp-shinned Hawks passed relatively close to the Tower. The list was completed by an eclectic mix of singles of Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk and Peregrine Falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: We reached our 200th species seen this Fall with a sighting of two Snow Geese flying over the marsh from the east - woo hoo! Tundra Swans (503) achieved the greatest day count number since 1988, with many flocks flying over the marsh. Ducks are maintaining their numbers with Gadwall (1720) the most numerus today. Good diversity with twelve species seen including all three Mergansers. Good numbers of Horned Lark (223) and American Goldfinch (282) flew over heading west. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203717571
Predictions: The forecast tomorrow is for light winds from the south west turning south early afternoon. Another day with sunny spells and a similar temperature of around 6c. Hopefully we will see similar numbers and mix of raptors as today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
