Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku, Eric Mueller, Ted Purcell
Observers: Bill Rasku, Jean Hampel, Joe Fountain, Lisa Burwell, Misha Conaway, Scott Wahlstrom, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: A relatively light day for sightseers (50-75?), but we also had two groups of students come up. One group from a private school in Worcester played capture the flag for at least an hour. It quieted down substantially after that. There were also two Jack Russell terriers dressed in skirts (hey, I don't make this up.)
Weather: The day started with low clouds blanketing the area, and extending at least 400 ft below the summit. The clouds began to disperse around 9:30 EST, but didn't fully depart until after 10. Even after the cloud bank rose, the air below was quite murky for another hour. Scattered cumulus clouds formed under the streaky high level clouds. Winds were from the SW all session, generally in the 8-12 mph range, but after 11 am, we began to get gusts over 15 mph, and after 2 pm, gusts were 25+ mph. Temperatures were again unseasonable with highs in the mid 70's.
Raptor Observations: We had a great turnout of observers despite the unfavorable wind conditions. Thanks to everyone who came up to help today!
The flight was light again, due in part to both the cloudy/foggy start to the morning and to the strong SW winds after that. The local birds finally started to circle up just after 10 am EST, and the first migrant (a Kestrel) flew by at 10:45. Once they started coming up, the local birds were quite active. A local Merlin played tag with some of the Ravens for 15-20 minutes.
The first migrating Black Vulture of the year for us flew by. The Bald Eagle in the 1-2 pm hour was an immature that was able to soar to great heights on the strong wind.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jay - 4 (2 looked to be migrating) Comm Raven - 5 WB Nuthatch - 1 Wht-thr Sparrow - 1 DE Junco - 16 E Towhee - 1
Predictions: Rain showers are predicted to start at 2 am Wednesday morning and last until around 1 pm, so unless the forecast changes to show the rain ending substantially earlier, we won't conduct a watch.
Thursday looks like a winner with solid NNW winds, low humidity and sunny skies. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
