Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 3
Weather: Morning drizzle delayed the start of the count by an hour. Clearing skies throughout the morning becoming nearly cloudless in mid-afternoon before some late-afternoon clouds. Moderate to strong NNW winds as a result of a cold front passing mid-morning. Cooler than recent days but still fairly warm.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight after many slow days during the recent warm spell. A steady flow of Turkey Vultures for 66 total, the first decent push of the season. Excellent Bald Eagle activity with 15 migrating. One Osprey and a few harriers. Moderate Accip numbers with 13 sharpies and 11 Coops. Four red-shoulders and five red-tails. The only falcons were 3 kestrels. Most migrants were low to medium altitude.
Non-raptor Observations: CACKLING GOOSE, 200 Canada Geese, Common Nighthawk, 2 Common Ravens, 1,500+ Tree Swallows, Lincoln's Sparrow, 2,000 Common Grackles, Black-and-white Warbler, 4 monarchs.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mainly sunny. High 64F. Winds NNE at 10-15mph. Good conditions. Overnight non-raptor migration will be very good so that could continue as a strong morning flight. Winds will be a good speed and direction. The only negative is that spotting may be difficult if the raptors get up high and there are few clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
Friday: Generally sunny. High 66F. Winds ESE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Saturday: Overcast. Slight chance of a shower. High 71F. winds E at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
