Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: John Mercer
Observers: Alan Simon
Visitors: Dick Rainier, Brian Clauser
Weather: Cloudless until noon when three little clouds appeared, but they brought friends and it got cloudier as the day progressed. Temperature started high 60' climbed to low 80's. Wind NE to start but as clouds arrived the direction kept changing from SW to ENE.
Raptor Observations: Very hard to see anything in the blue sky, the one SS started low and circled up until it was out of sight. After clouds appeared, it got better with a decent last hour. Still no Broadwings, the ridges are getting them big time today. Locals or non-migrants: an osprey before I could sit down went right overhead off towards the reservoir. Looking at a distant eagle in the scope (it didn't go through) I spotted two falcon tangling. At 50 power, they turned out to be Merlin. One migrated and one stayed here. TV 5, BV 5, CH 3, BE 2 adult, RS2 adult, RT 1, ME 1.
Non-raptor Observations: A group of 18 Canada Goose, one Common Nighthawk. Had to move closer to the bell at midday because of an event where they set up a speaker 7' from my seat.
Predictions: Another event day, probably super crowded, parking will be limited. Weather similar to today, more clouds and winds light from SW. Maybe will push birds our way, but probably not worth visiting. Counter is only scheduled for the morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Mercer (<mercer1135...>) Rose Tree Park information may be found at: www.rtphawkwatch.org
