Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Bob Hall-Brooks, Ian Woodfield, John Hall, Juliette Herdman, Kitty Bradshaw, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Olga Klekner, Patrick Tomlinson, Steve Wagner
Visitors: Big thanks to many observers and Counters assisting the Official counter today: Bob, Ian, John, Juliette, Kitty, Liz, Mike, Noel, Olga, Patrick and Steve. It was good to see Mel, Lou, Toni and Jim, Carol and Linda again. It was good to meet Gareth, Dan and Adam who all took a great interest in the many birds present today and in the Hawk Count.
Weather: Light to moderate wind started from the north then turned south in early afternoon. Mostly clear sky , more cloud in the afternoon. Temperature reached 28c in the afternoon. Mostly clear but hazy around midday.
Raptor Observations: Broad-winged Hawks (228) held the top spot today with a couple of very distant kettles to the north. Sharp-shinned Hawks (183) followed a close second. American Kestrel numbers (77) also improved. Eleven species seen today.
Non-raptor Observations: List diversity improved again, with a big number of Blue Jays (23,670) keeping counters occupied. American Pelican (57) numbers continue to grow. There was also a large flock of Tree Swallows (1500) hawking low over the marsh. Very good number of Monarchs (327) seen today. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S274294161
Predictions: Moderate wind mostly from the east tomorrow with cloudy skies and a slightly lower temperature of 23c. Wind is not from a hugely favorable direction, but let's hope we continue to see the smaller raptors, particularly American Kestrels. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
