Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Glen Chretien, Tom Delaney
Observers: Helen Dalbeck, Lori-Ann Chretien, Nikko Gagnon, Tom Delaney
Visitors:
42 is a good number considering the weather. The highlight was 7 6th
graders from the Mountain Shadows School. We were privileged to be a part
of their curriculum and it was fun to see them all so dedicated to the
lesson.
Weather:
Clouds and low ceilings dominated the day. Although winds were light they
blew from the SW or WSW throughout the count period. Starting at12 C,
temperatures rose briefly to 18 C, before dropping to 16 C by end of day. A
shower sprinkled the observatory around 12:30 EST and heavy drizzle chased
the observers away a couple minutes before 4 EST. No sign of any thermal
activity today even during occasional peeks of sunshine.
Raptor Observations:
It should not come as a surprise given the weather that we only saw 3
raptors today. All birds were viewed very close with the unaided eye. 2
ospreys popped up from the valley and passed very near to the counters. A
single Cooper’s hawk was the only bird that could be tracked for a sell
distance as it flew at observatory height from North Pack to past Pack
Monadnock. Then only local bird was a brief appearance of a single turkey
vulture.
Non-raptor Observations:
Excluding raptors, 25 species were witnessed today. Six species of warblers
a Carolina Wren and Winter Wren and an Eastern Phoebe were some of the
highlights. Mr. and Mrs. Towhee continue to grace us with their presence.
Our Eastern Cottontail made an end of day appearance. Finally we were also
visited by a Winter Firefly.
Predictions:
Scattered showers remain in the forecast. Likely cooler with an east wind
likely.
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Report submitted by Glen Chretien (<b0ba_fet...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
