Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin
Observers: Corinne Allsop, Hugh Kent, Jacob Stasso, Jeremy Bensette, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Ralph Billingsley
Visitors: Thanks to Mike and Paul for taking spells as the official counter and excellent assistance was provided by Corrine, Jacob, Jeremy, Liz, Mike, Ralph and Scott. Great to see Lou, Toni and Jim and Scott and Rochelle, Steve and Trudy, Mel, Joanne, Mike and Jane, Wanda, Lyn and Bill who all took a great interest in the Hawk Watch, the Pelicans and other birds on the marsh.
Weather: Moderate wind from the NW for most of the day, starting clear but becoming cloudy later on. Very clear visibility with temperature rising to a comfortable 18c. Pressure stable at just below 30.
Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures (4262) again ruled the roost with streams passing overhead from mid morning onwards. Sharp-shinned Hawks (47) and Red-tailed Hawks (47) were the most of the rest. A great view of an adult Red-shouldered Hawk perched in trees just west of the tower was a bonus.
Non-raptor Observations: Good variety of ducks with 9 species seen, Ring-necked Duck (221) the most numerous. Amazing views of large flights of American White Pelicans over the tower, together with many on the marsh with a season high of 800. Blue Jay (5000) numbers a little down today. Good variety of Warbler and Vireos with 9 species seen. The list is at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S278767489
Predictions: A moderate wind from the NE is forecast until late morning switching to East. Cloudy skies should help raptor observation. There will likely be the same mix as today, but possibly lower numbers after the wind change. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
