Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Diane Stewart
Observers: Phil Park
Visitors: Phil brought his friend, Harris, to the watch to see what all the excitement was about. Unfortunately, there was not too much excitement today. Leah, Diane's friend, came for her first trip to the mountain. She did get to see an adult BE before she left. Max, a young birder from Shippensburg who visited Jack's last year, stopped in twice today with his family on their way to and from Belleville. Last year Max saw his first GE at Jack's. He is hoping to see a group of broad wings next year since he missed them this year.
Weather: Strong winds out of the N all day and 100% cloud cover to start the morning made for a cold start. Clouds lifted by the second hour but the winds kept up which helped to keep the lantern flies and stink bugs at bay today.
Raptor Observations: Raptors were higher than expected and most out over the Big Valley side of the watch. Slow flight day for Jack's was to be expected with the N winds blowing. Those raptors that were counted all exceeded the speed limit and were motoring through quickly!
Non-raptor Observations: Many TV, BV, and ravens flying all day. Two separate murders of crows lifted and flew around the tower. The first group had over 80 birds and the second group had at least 30. Local red tails were around and kiting all day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Darrell Smith (<oleagleye...>)
