Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 26, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Rick Morrissey
Observers: AB, Adam Bradley, Linda Blacketter, Wendy Bailey
Visitors: We had 25 visitors today at the north lookout. I took license to count a group of 16 'meet-up' hikers who were so close to the lookout which had us engaging in conversation, although it unpredictably morphed into this conversation, "What's with the owl on the pole, is it to scare the hawks away?" We had two questions just like that, 'to scare the hawks away?' Finally, on the return trip of the 'meet-ups,' a young woman asked 'is that owl there to attract hawks?' Finally, word is getting around, made Adam and I feel like we were making a difference, yes, definitely.
So when the flight was winding down, we were surprised by our third observer today being Wendy, who was quietly panning the flight lines on the upper group of rocks behind us. We invited her down to our level but she seemed to like that higher 'perch.' After she pointed out an adult Red Shouldered hawk high above us, I said "Ok Wendy, stay right where you are, you are now an official observer today for this count." Then she points to another large bird, a Golden Eagle, and then she says 'what's that behind it?' Another Golden Eagle. What a way to introduce yourself to a hawk watch, although this is her second visit to Bake Oven Knob. Wendy is from Harrisburg, which means she drives past Hawk Mountain and then hikes down to the North Lookout. Wow, ain't we lucky!
Last but not least, three thru hikers stopped by to say 'hi,' all at different times. First there was 'Molasses,' who is hiking with 'Korok' who eventually catches up with 'Molasses' and when 'Bear Quota' stops to say hello, he tells us he is trying to catch up with 'Molasses' and 'Korok.' They all told us their origin stories, where they were from, how they planned their Maine to Georgia hike, not all linear from North to South. I found this group of young hikers absolutely fascinating. My advice to 'Bear Quota' was "You better giddy-up if you want to catch up to Molasses." I think this is why most parents advise their kids not to talk to strangers. So ends another Sunday at BOK.
Weather: The low temperature was 42F, ironically 30 minutes into the count and for 4 hours until 1100 EST when it was 46F. The high temperature was 52F, an hour before the count ended at 1600 EST. It was an absolutely beautiful day, lots of hikers, some good clouds when we needed them for the 'high flyers.' Mostly cloudy in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon until the clouds left a big, blue sky for the last 90 minutes. Winds were from the NW all day, inconsistent at times, yet generally 4-7 mph in the morning hours, then winds picked up in the afternoon @ 8-12 mph.
Raptor Observations: The early morning was slow, meaning we had no raptors until a kettle of 28 Turkey Vultures announced the beginning of a nice flight raptors that picked up late morning until the early afternoon. We had the 'usual suspects', Sharpshins and Cooper's Hawks (20) to cover the late morning until early afternoon. A regular 2-3 per hour flight of Redtailed Hawks from 1000 EST until the end of the count (13) kept us motivated for possible things to come. Looking at being a part of the count during the last Sunday of Ocotober, I was expecting Golden Eagles. At the noon hour, my feeling was that I was not going to see my first Golden Eagle of the season today. Then an adult Golden Eagle, followed by a second Golden Eagle a minute or so later. So much for trying to predict the behavior of Golden Eagles, more likely they are better at predicting mine. A great look at an adult Bald Eagle, late afternoon, flying not so high over the North lookout with the setting sun lighting up this magnificent raptor as it disappeared into the sun. Who said this day was 'slow?'
Golden Eagle (2) - 1414 (adult); 1418 (un-aged, probably an adult)
Non-raptor Observations: 56 Canada Geese, Pine Siskins, Winter and Carolina Wrens, 2 Ravens causing havoc all afternoon (they were very busy) albeit we were not, but it was nice to see and feel their enthusiasm.
Predictions: Sunny, highs in the mid 50's with Northeast winds at 5 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
