Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Glenn Deyo, Janet Kovner, Joe Fountain, Lisa Burwell, Marty McNamara
Visitors: Somewhere between 50-100 hikers and sightseers came up to the summit today.
Weather: Sunny, with a few thin cirrus clouds to start, more in the afternoon. Temps rose from 49 to 64F, moderate humidity, and a light-to-moderate haze that obscured the more distant landmarks. Winds were from WSW at 8-12 mph to start, gentling to 4-7 mph after the first hour.
Raptor Observations: Thanks to the observers listed above who made the day tolerable with their conversation. Misha stopped up again, and we hope to add her to our list of regular observers soon.
The birds were wholly uninspired today. The first few locals didn't appear until 10:30 EST (11:30 EDT), and the first migrating birds didn't appear until an hour later. The earliest migrants were so distant, and the air was hazy enough, that we couldn't identify them except as raptors of some sort. The WSW winds were only on the strong side in the first hour, and shouldn't have been much of a disincentive after that. We ended the day an hour earlier than usual, hoping for better flights this weekend.
Non-raptor Observations: Downy WP - 1 Blue Jay - 2 (minimum number) Comm Raven - 8 BC Chickadee - 2 DE Junco - 1 E Towhee - 1
Predictions: A better wind direction on Saturday - WNW and NW winds at 5-6 mph to start, switching over to straight W around 2 pm EDT. Almost totally clear skies again (sigh) with moderate to low humidity, and warmer temps ranging from 57 to 77F. There should be plenty of thermal activity and good wind for the birds to work with. Hopefully, they can make up for today's anemic flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
