Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Mike Tetlow, luke seitz
Visitors: 8
Weather: A thunderstorm came through in the early morning, but it passed by 8:30am. It was then partly sunny, temps in the 60s, and SSW winds at 5-10mph. As the clouds dissipated, the temps rose to a high of 79F. The winds increased slightly to 10-15mph. Around 2pm the lake breeze took over and pushed the flight in to Frisbee Hill. At 4:30pm the SW winds kicked back in and we returned to the main platform.
Raptor Observations: Today was a great day with nearly 3000 birds! The flight started around 10:30 and lasted into the evening. The majority of the birds were Broad-winged Hawks (1615) and Turkey Vultures (1078). The next most abundant species was Bald Eagle with a total of 65! Other raptors that were mixed in included 58 Red-tailed, 35 Northern Harriers, and 28 Sharp-shinned Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: There were migrating passerines flying high all day long. Tanagers, grosbeaks, orioles, and warblers could be scoped flying higher than some of the hawks! Two Sandhill Cranes joined a kettle of raptors at Frisbee Hill. In the evening we saw around 30 Common Nighthawks migrating past.
Predictions: Tomorrow will have scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with more showers at times. High 69F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. The winds are coming from a favorable direction, so there is a good chance there will be some birds moving between rain showers. However, it will all depend on how much rain we actually get. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
