Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Carolyn Holland, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Laureen Eick-Benson, Mike Fowles, Pauletta Brown, Richard King
Visitors: 17, plus 13 from a volunteer group from BlackRock
Weather: Blue skies all day from high pressure following yesterday's cold front. A moderate northeasterly breeze, weakening a little in the afternoon. Quite chilly in the morning, becoming more comfortable in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A steady flight, though the difficult spotting made it feel underwhelming at times. The best vulture flight of the season with 83 Turkey Vultures, including a group of 17 that streamed high overhead. The first three migrating Black Vultures of the season were counted. Two Ospreys including a nice look at one. Great Bald Eagles activity with 15 migrants and three immatures playing overhead in the afternoon. Two harriers including a low pass at the end of the count. Moderate Accip flight with 14 Coops and 20 sharpies. One late broad-wing streamed over high, plus late-season Buteo migration starting to pick up with 6 red-shoulders and 11 red-tails. For falcons we had two kestrels and two Merlins, including a Merlin chasing around a sharpie.
Non-raptor Observations: Last night was the biggest songbird night so far this fall with 7+ million birds estimated migrating over New Castle County. However, the morning birding didn't reflect that.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Mainly sunny except for a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds NE shifting SE at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction, but fairly light. Conditions should be good for raptors to be up and flying around, so it should be a pleasant day on the hill before the weather turns poor for several days. Spotting may be difficult if there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate migration.
Saturday: Cloudy early. A few showers later. High 69F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration.
Sunday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 63F. Winds NE at 15-25mph. Count will likely be shortened or canceled. Will keep an eye on as we get closer. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
