Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Dana Ogglesby, Juliette Herdman, Kate Fairbairn, Linda Goodhue, Michael St. Pierre, Noel Herdman, Robin Smallwood
Visitors: Thanks to Noel, Juliette, Mike, Kate and Robin for assisting with the count today. The banding crew (Dana, Caroline and Linda) joined us on the tower for a bit too, after they finished taking the songbird nets down for the season.
Weather: Another cool start to the day at 3 C, rising to 12 C by 11am. Today we had a break from the clear blue sky, with dark clouds rolling in late morning and only a few spots of blue left by early afternoon. The wind was moderate out of the NE and ENE all day, which is normally good for our site, though the winds at the site are only part of the formula. Today the winds across the rest of southern Ontario were out of the due East, which leads to no concentration effect for birds along the shoreline in our region (We need north component winds coming long distance). The barometer held close to 30.10, as high pressure remains in place in our area.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day for raptors, with 167 observed. The bulk of these numbers were Turkey Vultures, with 118 counted. Some highlights were 7 Northern Harriers and a good (but distant) view of a light morph Rough-legged Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Several species of songbirds were moving in good numbers all morning, highlighted by Cedar Waxwing (896), American Goldfinch (410) and Pine Siskin (21). On the lake 366 Bonaparte's Gulls and 2 Common Loons were seen flying past. 92 American White Pelicans continue to be seen in the marsh, and 2 Common Gallinules are lingering late into the season in the lotus area beside the tower. The first Fox Sparrow of the season was calling all day beside us. 71 species were observed today from the tower, the full list can be found at the link below: https://ebird.org/checklist/S281956131
Predictions: Tomorrow the wind is meant to be strong out of the north all day... however there a chance for rain for the entire observation period. If the rain holds off it could be an alright day, though the odds of that seem rather slim right now. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
