Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Misha Conaway, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Approximately 50 hikers and one out-of-breath runner who appeared wearing a light shirt and nylon running shorts - he didn't stay up on the platform very long.
Weather: A cold, breezy day with some sunshine. 37-39 F, NW winds averaging 6-9 mph with semi-regular gusts at 15 mph and above. Very good visibility, with Mt Greylock and the VT mountains covered with snow, shining in the sunlight. The cloud base started at about 4,000 ft and rose to about 8,000 by 2 pm. Mostly cumulus clouds that thickened into a mass punctuated by blue sky openings here and there.
Raptor Observations: Many thanks to Tom Gottschang and Misha Conaway for hiking up to join me at the summit.
Our first time up here after waiting out very strong winds and occasional rain over the past 5 days. We were very happy to see the Rough-legged Hawk, a fairly rare visitor here. 19 birds is a decent count here for this time of the year.
Non-migrating raptors: TV - 1 Bald Eagle - 2 (Ad and Juv) Red-tailed Hawk - 3 (1 Ad, 2 Juv)
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose - 58 (skeins of 40 and 18) Red-bellied WP - 1 Snow Bunting - 10 Blue Jay - 1 Comm Raven - 4 Amer Robin - 1
Predictions: For Saturday, plenty of welcome sunshine until about 2 pm, WNW winds at around 10 mph, and temps just reaching 40 F. We're hoping for another reasonable count, and another special bird. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
