Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: David Gordon
Observers: Marilyn Feurestein , Peg Clukey
Visitors: No Visitors
Peg Clukey and Marilyn Feurestein were counters
Weather: Count period began with clear skies and full cloud cover that was high enough to be a good background for flying birds. It was chilly a bit and slightly windy. As the day moved on, the skies lighten and darken a bit but remain great for viewing. During the second half of the last hour light rain began and continued for the rest of the count period.
Raptor Observations: Right after my arrival at 8 am, seven Turkey Vultures flew by positioned such that viewing from section H was the best option rather than the entry area where I began. When my two counters arrived at 8:30. We left for section H. No other raptors except a local American Kestral were seen for the rest of the count period.
Non-raptor Observations: Many seasonal local birds were active including Canada Geese, Killdeer, American Robin, Blue Jay, Northern Flicker, European Starling, House Finch, and American Crow. Most exciting , and making a mostly hawkless day fun was the thousands of Common Grackles and Red-winged Black Birds that took full advantage of the favorable WSW and W winds during the first three hours of the count period. They flew mostly with their own species but some mixed flocks flew by also.
Predictions: Weather conditions of 60% chance of rain, considerable clouds, moderate S winds, high around 15 degrees C are predicted for tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Gordon (<dgordonphoto...>)
Site Description: This spring only "all volunteer" watch is conducted at Lakeside Cemetery in Hamburg, NY. It is located on flat lake plain located along the shoreline of the east end of Lake Erie, about 10 miles south of Buffalo, NY. For additional information contact Jim Landau at <landaujr...>
