Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Frank Rohrbacher, Ian Stewart, Jeff Chambers, Joe Francis, Joe Sebastiani, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass
Visitors: 15, plus 35 from an overnight group
Weather: A thin layer of cirrus covering most of the sky in the morning, becoming a thicker layer in the afternoon. Below freezing at sunrise but reaching a high of 62F. Moderate to strong south winds.
Raptor Observations: The southerly winds held back the flight, but there was a decent amount of raptor activity throughout the day. Turkey Vultures were the most numerous migrant with 82. An Osprey was seen but was likely the same individual counted yesterday. A half dozen migrating Bald Eagles. Five harriers including a few adult males, but few migrating Accips. A handful of Buteos with 5 red-shoulders, 6 red-tails, and a very late juvenile Broad-winged Hawk (5th November record for Ashland). A Merlin was seen hunting throughout the day.
Non-raptor Observations: 15 Wood Ducks, American Black Duck, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, 3 Fish Crows, 5 Common Ravens, 150 Tree Swallows, 2 CAVE SWALLOWS (1st Ashland record), 750+ American Robins, 600+ Cedar Waxwings, 40+ Purple Finches, Rusty Blackbird, 2,000+ Common Grackles. https://ebird.org/checklist/S283365401
New species for season: American Black Duck, Cave Swallow
Predictions: Tomorrow: Overnight rain will stop in time for the count with rapid clearing with the passage of a cold front. Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Good conditions though spotting may be difficult when there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
Sunday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds S at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 60%. Expect minimal to light migration. Count may be shortened.
Monday: Partly cloudy. High 46F. Winds NW at 10-20mph. Expect moderate to good migration.
======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
