Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Chase Wilkinson, Kim Steininger, Maddie Martin
Visitors: 10, plus a brief visit by a group of around 15 women from a nature center program.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with strong and gusty west winds. Temps starting just above freezing with a high in the low 40s.
Raptor Observations: The strong winds had migrants low with most following the ridge to our north. Few high birds except for a few afternoon eagles. A steady vulture flight with just over a hundred Turkey Vultures and a few Black Vultures. Eleven migrating Bald Eagles. One harrier and a few of each Accip. A handful of Buteos braving the wind with four red-shoulders and seven redtails. Two Merlins.
The raptor highlight of the day was two GOLDEN EAGLES. The first was an all dark (presumably adult) bird that soared high overhead at 2pm. The second was a sub-adult at 2:30pm. It was first seen over the saddles going directly away and dipping out of sight behind the ridge multiple times. A short while later it soared in the distance over hunter's field revealing white wing patches that confirmed it was a non-adult and thus a different bird than the first. It also had a very distinct tawny bar on the upperside which ages the bird as a non-juvenile (tawny bar + white patches = subadult). It was last seen to the northeast so there is a small chance it could still be in the area and seen again tomorrow.
Predictions: Tomorrow: Partly cloudy. High 54F. Winds WSW at 10-20mph. A less favorable wind direction, but conditions should be good for giving raptors lift. Expect light to moderate migration.
Thursday: Mix of sun and clouds. High near 55F. Winds WNW at 15-25mph. Higher gusts possible. Expect moderate migration.
Friday: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 57F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
