Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: Gretchen Putnam, Tim Eddy
Weather: Muggy and warm to start, but drying out as the day went on. Very light NW winds to start, swung E and eventually straight from the S by day's end. Increasing cloudiness to mostly cloudy skies by end of count.
Raptor Observations: A terrific morning lift-off found Broad-winged Hawks eagerly kettling up and testing the vertical limits of the early thermals around 9:30am EDT. We had several nice looks over the summit at kettles of up to 30 birds getting great lift, but moving laterally at a slow pace. 100 BWs went over in the first hour. Throughout the day, we found mostly small streams but the occasional 20+ Broad-wing chain to keep things interesting. A nice push for the end of the 'peak' window. Our first bird of the day was a juvenile Northern Harrier, rising effortlessly in the nearly still morning skies. That was the first of ten Harriers today; a couple were eye-level and spotted by Gretchen in the afternoon skies. Overall a great flight for Harriers; I don't believe I've ever reached double-digits for a Harrier count in my 11 years at Watatic. Lovely!
We had great diversity today with 6 species in double-digits, a handful of Peregrines, and some Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks seemingly inspired to start their southward movements. The Turkey Vulture roost bloomed early with a very big lift-off; I counted up to 55 individuals taking off together. They were once again perpetually dancing around the summit. Our most exciting few seconds of the day were when a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk buzzed the decoy owl, offering incredible views of this rather pale individual. Note: I initially had logged an American Goshawk in the live-streamed count after a very brief 'back-of-camera' look at an extremely high long-tailed hawk. Closer review made it a better fit for a Sharp-shinned Hawk unfortunately. Non-migrant Raptors: Turkey Vulture 55 Bald Eagle 6 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Predictions: Forecasted temps into the low 80s, with a stiffer WSW wind, turning W in afternoon. I am a game-time decision for tomorrow's count. If you count any raptors at Watatic tomorrow, please email me at <14hawks8owls...> Thank you! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
