Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Phil Keener
Observers: Ken Orvis, Randy Phillips, Tom Warman
Visitors: ~ 20.
Weather: Temp = 18-24C, full cloud cover to start and only giving way to some blue sky when front began to move in from the north at 1530 (people time). Some light haze but overall visibility good. Wisp to light winds out of the north with an occasional slight swing to NNE, only to return to N.
Raptor Observations: Good day with nice variety. Surprisingly good last hour with 3 harriers and 2 merlins. Local BVs, TVs, bald eagles, and red-taileds activity on the low side while still being present. September results highlights: Observation hours at 149.5 hrs, 3rd most to 2019 & 2020. Harrier total of 37 was a record, besting 2020's 34. Sharpie total of 451 is a record but higher passage rates in 2016 & 2017. Kestrels at 103, 2nd to 2020's remarkable 163. Merlins at 9 is a record, as is passage rate of 0.06/hr.
Non-raptor Observations: Strong blue jay movement in am hours, tree swallow movement also evident. Chimney swifts were isolated individuals and very high. Strong Canada Goose movement with at least seven flocks moving through. Up to 20 white-throated sparrows in vegetation in power line cut. 18 Wild Turkey observed in power line cut along Druck Valley Rd. Finally, frequent "touch and go" reps by Air Force 2 (VP plane) at Harrisburg Int'l airport.
Predictions: With front moving in as noted above, forecast is for clear skies, high of 21C, light to moderate winds out of NE. Might be a winner for some more decent numbers. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Parks Volunteer (<parks...>)
