Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Allan Sgroi, Bill Enright, Cindy Rost, Don Singleman, Jim Kirchhoffer, Joe Fountain, John Milhaven, Lisa Burwell, Ron Schlegel, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: At least 100 hikers and sightseers.
Weather: Moderate NNE to NE winds all session, with a high, thin cloud layer most of the day. Temps 68 to 72 F. Low humidity, but still a moderate amount of haze that all but masked the VT mountains and Boston.
Raptor Observations: We had a fine turnout of observers other than those listed above, including Glenn Deyo who hiked up before sunset, Luke Van Hengel, David Godwin, Pat Labau, Rick Sullivan, Vaugh Collins and Brian Collins. Glenn reported seeing a Goshawk fly by just before 7:00 am EDT along with several other birds that aren't included here.
Despite the sometimes strong northerly winds, we didn't see as many birds as yesterday when the conditions weren't as good. The high stratus/cirrus clouds didn't have much definition, so trying to communicate where a high bird was located was challenging. We may have to acknowledge that the Broad-wing migration has probably ended except for some stragglers. It's time for the TV's and other species to start picking up the slack.
The local birds were very active today, with the local TV's and at least 6 Red-tails all making repeated appearances.
Non-migrating raptors: TV - 9 (minimum number - all in a single kettle at one point) Bald Eagle - 2 (minimum number. 1 Ad, 1 Juv together0 Sharpie- 1 Red-tail - 6 (2 Ad, 4 Juv)
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose - 2 Blue Jay - 2 (minimum number) Comm Raven - 2 BC Chickadee - 2 Downy WP - 1 DE Junco - 4 E Towhee - 1
Predictions: Fairly strong NNE winds (10-15 mph) with mostly clear skies, and more seasaonable temps (50-60 F.) Birds that might normally take their time circling up in slower winds are going to get pushed along quickly, which will make it more difficult to spot them. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
