Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Andy Dickson, Devin Banning, Michael Ceci
Observers: Andy Dickson, John Antonevich, Katelyn Davis , Mike Ceci, Paul Baglia
Visitors: None
Weather: Today, many eyes were needed at the Ripley Hawk Watch due to fog, heavy cloud cover, strong winds, and rain during the 1:00 - 2:00 hour. Observers for today's count were: Andy Dickson, Mike Ceci, Paul Baglia, John Antonovich, Devin Banning, and Kaitlyn Davis. We thank the volunteers for assisting with the Watch on a very challenging day!
Raptor Observations: The birds were struggling as a result of variable and gusty S, SSW, and SSE winds. Many of the TV's were maintaining a route just above ground level. We started the day at Site 1 and remained there until 1 PM. As the birds moved inland, all observers eventually moved to Sites 2 and 3.
Non-raptor Observations: With the rain ending during the 1:00 hour, we had a great look at two groups of Sandhill Cranes.@ 1:45 - 1:50 PM. 5 Sanhilills were in the first group, and 9 in the second group. Each group was viewed at a low altitude directly over Rt 5 at Site 1. Earlier in the day, we viewed a Tundra Swan from Site 1. Non-Raptors: Wood Duck, Mourning Dove, KilldeerWilson'Snipe,American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Europeon Starling, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal, Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal,Ring billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron, American Crow.
Predictions: Rain and wind early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. Morning high of 62F with temps falling to 50. Winds SSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall of near a quarter of an inch is predicted. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. With the SSW winds, there could be a meaningful flight in the AM, before the temperatures drop and rain moves in during the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
