Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Glen Chretien, Nate Marchessault
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Lori-Ann Chretien
Visitors: 34 visitors throughout the day, lots of good conversation with volunteers and sightseers.
On this day in Pack Monadnock History: 2015: PMRO's second Swainson's Hawk flies by. Henry Walters: "15,000 and counting...new territory for the Pack Monadnock Observatory, which blew past its previous season-high sometime during the 11:00 hour, when 700+ broad-wings materialized out of the east. Thermals were hard to find--great news for onlookers, who had hawks spooling up and eddying back and pooling lazily in place for many minutes at a time. But the day's great event was the appearance of a SWAINSON'S HAWK, just the site's second record, spotted by Al Grimstad over the Uncanoonuc hills. Initial identifications ("a harrier without a tail?") were rejected as its character came clear, a juvenile dark-morph bird bouncing along in its springy dihedral. And just as it sank below us and threatened to disappear for good, it gave an extra twirl or two upward, long enough for Andre Moraes to snap a few photos. This will be just the second confirmed record for the species in New Hampshire.
Weather: A cool start to pleasant temps (8-17C), sunny skies with some clouds moving in toward the end of the day, winds variable from the south.
Raptor Observations: Number of birds were consistent with the winds, with lower numbers than would be expected for the time of year. Enough birds were moving through to keep things interesting, and there was nice diversity overall.
Non-raptor Observations: One of the towhees that's been around made an appearance toward the end of the day, and a Red Crossbill and two Purple Finches flew over. A black swallowtail made a brief appearance.
Monarchs 18/452 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds 1/72 Blue Jays 0/31
Predictions: Chance of rain in the second half of the day and southwest winds. Not looking great, but some birds could move in the morning! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
