Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Paul Gosselin
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Olga Klekner
Visitors: Big thanks to Paul for taking Official Counter duties today and for Mike, Olga, Hugh and Liz who helped spot the very high raptors and of course count the Blue Jays! It was good to meet Jeff and Robin and Sheila who took a great interest in the hawk watch.
Weather: A moderate wind from the north for most of the day, only changing to south in the last hour. Clear skies all day, with temperature gradually rising to an uncomfortable 30c on the tower.
Raptor Observations: North winds paid off today with numbers increasing across the board. Majority of birds passed very high. Turkey Vultures (645) are starting to move and dislodged Sharp-shinned Hawks (233) from the top spot. A good number of Peregrine Falcons (9) were seen today. Red-tailed Hawks (50) were in the Turkey Vulture kettles, together with Broad-winged Hawks (53)
Non-raptor Observations: The ducks have disappeared! Maybe something to do with the start of the hunting season. Blue Jays excelled themselves today with a season's best (so far) of 75,960. Quiet on the songbird front, with the exception of American Goldfinches (490). The list is at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276152653
Predictions: Tomorrow is similar to today with a moderate wind from the north until midday when it moves SE. Clear skies and high temperatures - when will it end! So probably a similar mix to today but maybe not the numbers. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
