Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Andy Dickson
Observers: Devin Banning, Katelyn Davis
Visitors: Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis arrived soon after 11. Nathan Stimson came around 1pm to get oriented for future RHW spotting.
Weather: Clear, cold with northerly onshore breeze all day, despite 3 matching predictions that wind would slow to 2mph. Early scattered cirrus clouds thickened as the watch progresed.
Raptor Observations: Very light showing of species and numbers. Most of the day was spent at site #2. Twice a scout went to site #1; one visit recorded 18 TVs coming through individually and low near Rt 5 but most activity was centered around #2. 5-7 local BEs and 4 RTs were active in the vicinity. Devin barely spotted in the nick of time a low(3'), fast sharpie passing within within 50' of us. As the flight petered out by 1:30, we discussed shutting down. Luckily at 1:52 we were still loitering. Devin did a second guess of an eagle and called it an immature Golden Eagle. It passed within 125' and the four of us got very good looks at with its white wrists, pronounced tail band and small head.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 Snipes, local Bluebirds, Robbins, Killdeers, Starlings
Predictions: Strong south westerlies moving to the west later in the day. Cloudy and warmer than today. Birds could ride the winds in meaningful numbers. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andy Dickson (<adickson3...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
