Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Devin Banning
Observers: Katelyn Davis
Visitors: None
Weather: Partly cloudy at the beginning of the day, but clouds cleared by 12:30pm. Chilly temps beginning in the low 30s and only rising to 37F by 2:30. A steady westerly wind kept observers bundled up, the sun was of little help. No precipitation. Visibility well over 70km as the Canadian shore was clearly visible. The lake ice shifted towards the US side of the lake as the day progressed. At Site 3, some southerly winds were felt on the ground until the westerlies again overpowered them.
Raptor Observations: It took a while for the flight to get going. Once it did, TVs came through in singles or pairs between Site 1B and Site 2. The best viewing location was Site 3, as many birds were well above our heads at Sites 1 and 2. Viewing from Site 3 allowed us to use the lake ice as a backdrop and made it much simpler to differentiate species on the few birds going through. It also meant that instead of looking at the sun it was at our backs. There were many local and/or non-migrant raptors and TVs observed, and special care was taken to ensure each bird counted was actually migrating through the site. Non-migrants included several RTs, at least 5 BEs, one NH, and at least two CHs.
Non-raptor Observations: Passerines were on the move. Flickers were present at each site. Pileated Woodpecker at Site 3, dozens of Robins, Carolina Wren, Killdeer, hundreds of Gulls.
Predictions: Showers in the morning, even a chance for snow! But precipitation should lift by early afternoon. Strong winds will shift from SSW at sunrise to WNW after the front moves through. A flight is possible after the precipitation has concluded, or during breaks in the precipitation. One thing is for sure - tomorrow will not be a no count day! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Devin Banning (<devincban...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
