Observation start time: 10:45:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Devin Banning
Observers: Katelyn Davis
Visitors: A man from Pennsylvania whose name we did not get but who spoke of Turkey Vultures roosting in his pine trees locally. Ken Church of Westfield, who noted the many Bald Eagle nests nearby.
Weather: Initially overcast with WSW winds 15mph gusts up to 28mph. Winds shifted slightly more westerly during the later hours, but the flight still passed over Site 1. Clearing began around the 12:00pm hour, and the sky was clear by 12:45pm through the end of the count. Temps started at 37F and ended at 41F.
Raptor Observations: Raptors were aided by the clearing skies and warming temperatures. Most of the flight followed I-90, but many birds flew directly over Site 1, and a few passed through further inland towards Site 2. Today we recorded our first Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Merlin of the season!
Non-raptor Observations: One Cackling Goose, our first of the season. Two Sandhill Cranes during the 1100 hour. Many Ring-billed Gulls. 6 Tundra Swans in the field south of Site 1. A few Killdeer. Northern Flicker and American Robin, Carolina Wren, blackbird flocks.
Predictions: High of 49F. Clear with winds out of the SW up to 17mph. A flight is likely, especially based on today's results. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Devin Banning (<devincban...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
