Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Dale Drexel, Greg Sanda, Mike Tetlow, luke seitz
Visitors: 17
Weather: Started out with cloudless skies, temps in the 30s, and winds out of the SSE. It quickly warmed up reaching a high of 57F. Some wispy clouds moved in in the late morning providing nice landmarks for pointing birds out. The wind shifted to the SW, but unfortunately the lake breeze picked up around 3, shifting the flight inland.
Raptor Observations: The first day of over 1000 birds for the season! With just over 700 individuals, Turkey Vultures were the most numerous species for the day. Red-shouldered Hawks were the second most abundant species with a total of 180. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks were also on the move with a combined total of over 50 individuals. The highlight of the day was an adult Golden Eagle! Thanks to the Common Ravens harassing it, Mike was able to spot it in the blue sky.
Non-raptor Observations: Lots of blackbirds American Robins were moving in the morning. A few Tree Swallows passed by the platform as well. It was a great day for Sandhill Cranes with a total of 28 birds.
Predictions: Partly cloudy with a high of 66F. Winds south at 10-15mph. I expect a lot of birds to move with tomorrow's favorable conditions. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
