Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers: Charlie Nim
Visitors: 30, including Charlie Nims visiting from Bartlett. Charlie beat me to it when he offered to and did take souvenir pictures of the 2 attractive college girls enjoying the view- don't underestimate this guy. But thank you for your counting help, Charlie.
Weather: An almost cloudless sky at first with some relief provided by high thin clouds as the count entered the afternoon; winds were primarily from the W or not quite west but never exceeding 5 mph; 52 - 68 F.
Raptor Observations: First, The Milestone: today at 11:21 Eastern Daylight Time, a certain Broad-winged Hawk passed over Pine Mountain, logged in as the 10,000th all-time raptor at Alton Bay Hawk Watch. Thank you, thank you very much. Let there be ten thousand more. The first Turkey Vulture migrants were counted and they pretty much dominated the afternoon skies. Both a Cooper's Hawk and an Osprey passed close below eye-level. There is nothing like a front row seat to raptor migration.
Non-raptor Observations: First Pipit of the season, 3 groups of Canada Geese migrating, the biggest kettle of the day was of 6 ravens, a late Wood Thrush was heard on the way up and some early juncos were seen on the way down. Monarchs 9/55.
Predictions: It is now safe to say that the Broad-winged Hawk peak is behind us - Pack's was 9-14, Wachuset's was 9-19, and Watatic's was today. South winds for the next two days means no count until the weather becomes favorable. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
