Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Mike, Noel and Robin for helping out with the count today. Bryce from Tecumseh visited us again today.
Weather: Today was another one of those dark and gloomy days on the tower. It was a cool morning, starting at 3C and only rising to 6C by midday. The horizon was shrouded in a dark, misty haze today, reducing visibility and generally creating poor migration conditions. The sky remained overcast all morning, with 5kph wind from the Southeast, shifting South later in the day. Conditions worsened after lunch, with reduced visibility and wind shifting more to the South. The count was ended early today since the flight dried up and the forecast showed no signs of improving.
Raptor Observations: What a change compared to yesterday! Only 31 raptors were observed today, honestly more than expected given the poor conditions. A single flock of Turkey Vultures (14) lifted out of the trees and drifted West mid morning, our most common raptor of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: 67 species were observed from the tower today, less than normal though rather expected considering the conditions. Morning songbird flight was fairly slow, American Goldfinch (782), Cedar Waxwing (314) and Horned Lark (34) were the only species moving in numbers. A single Redpoll flew over with a group of goldfinches, only our second this season. Around the base of the tower sparrows were around in large numbers today, highlighted by Fox Sparrow (3). Great Egrets (3) continue to linger at the back of the marsh. The highlight today was 2 Red-throated Loons flying by on the lake. This species is uncommon on this part of Lake Erie, and today's sighting represents the 4th record for HBMO and 1st since 2013. The loon was the 190th species recorded from the Hawk Tower this season. The eBird list is available here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S285348828
Predictions: Tomorrow will be another cloudy day, but with winds out of the Southwest/West this time and a limited chance of sun midday. Some raptors may be moving, however a large flight is unlikely. These conditions sometimes lead to a large finch flight along the shoreline, so hopefully that pans out to keep us entertained. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
