Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Michael Ceci
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Today's count began at Site 1A with a temperature of 45(f), overcast skies, and SSW winds @ 1 mph. Gradually, the temperature reached 56(f) and the wind increased to 7mph. There was a brief period of light rain from 9:30 - 9:45 that subsided with slightly brighter skies. During the 2-3PM hour, skies darkened and winds increased, eventually giving way to the predicted light showers
Raptor Observations: From Site 1A, the first TV's were sighted coming from I-90 and flying over the field slightly south of Rt 5. At 9:55, a move was made to Site 1B (Forsyth Rd) to view the TV's and other birds initially coming in directly over I-90, and then turning towards the Lake to continue their journey. The birds were flying low and slow and where easily visible by naked eye until the 1:00 hour. By 2PM, the birds were observed entering the hawk watch area between Rt 5 and the Lake's shore, prompting a move back to Site 1A. The skies became darker, and as predicted, rain began to fall @ 2:45. As I started to close the watch, at 2:50 there were kettles ranging from 25-40 TV's very high directly over Site 1A. These kettles added an additional 125 birds to the 3:00 hour. By 3 PM, the rain became steady and the skies darkened ending today's count. Today, 2 full adult Bald Eagles passed through @ 11:20 and 1:13 PM at a very high altitude. There were also Sharp-shinned Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and 1 American Kestrel
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese, Blackbirds, Robins and Gulls were coming over the Watch in small numbers consistently during today's RHW.
Predictions: The forecast for Saturday 03/29/2025 calls for temperatures in the mid 60's, overcast with gusty WSW winds in the morning at 20-30 mph. There's a slight chance of an afternoon shower. If the rain holds off, it could be a productive day at the Ripley Hawk Watch ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
