Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Weather: Moderate (2) WNW-NW winds with maximum gusts of 15 km/hr; temperature hovered between 6-7° C; Cloud cover was virtually 100% throughout the day with very small patches of blue appearing now and then; At the end of the watch rain was moving in from the north and a rainbow appeared due north of the site.
Raptor Observations: Only three migrating raptors seen -- a UR, an adult Bald Eagle and an adult Golden Eagle Non-migrating -- an immature RT Hawk was seen several times
Notes on the GE sighting: At 1:15 PM I was beginning to think that the sighting of the adult BE half an hour into my watch had not been the good omen I had thought as I had only seen one other migrating raptor (a UR). Then at 1:20 PM I spotted a large dark bird NNE of my site. As it moved toward the north (the Four Pines) I got it in my scope and began following it. The bird began to soar and as it soared although I could see no features on it, but it was clear that the head was much smaller than the tail. The wings were broad, but did not give the impression of a broad plank that a BE would give. Given the broad and very large wings, the dark body , and the small head in comparison to the tail, I suspected the bird was indeed a Golden Eagle adult. After the bird soared a bit, it then peeled out of its soar, and it became clear that the bird was heading south toward the Rock. I quickly grabbed my camera and took several burst of film as it not only headed toward me, but flew over my head less than fifty feet above me. As it passed overhead I tried taking some more photos of the bird. I then watched it fly due south toward Boston. Given the bird's size, its totally dark appearance (with no white on either the wings or the tail), and small head compared to its tail, I felt sure that the bird was indeed an adult Golden Eagle. [Looking at the photos in my camera, although a golden head was not visible the very robust body and the six splayed primaries seemed to confirm the ID] {I hoped that adjusting the lighting on my computer would reveal the subtle features and golden head, but unfortunately the one burst of photos that were in decent focus only reveal light patches on the head, even when I increase the contrast, and no other features}
Non-raptor Observations: Two groups of Canada Geese were seen (flocks of about 20 birds and one of 7); and one Dark-eyed Junco was seen in addition to the birds at the feeder.
Predictions: Should be good NW winds, possibly continuing into Saturday ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
