Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 16:45:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers: Al Ambler, Brian Butler, Brian Hardiman, Phil Rodriguez
Visitors: Our list of Coonapalozians is as follows: Brian Hardiman, Phil Rodriguez, Brian Butler, Al Ambler, Craig Stockert, Troy Fetherman, Lori Smith w/friend Marianne, Tom Campbell, Pat Jacques, Dave Brandes, Phil Ribolow, Joe Goddu, Dave Blinder, Lisa Decker, Brian Wilson, Gary Urbanski, Max Leone, Mike Leone, Nora O'rourke There were quite a few folks that showed up later in the afternoon and I never had the chance to record your names for our guest list. Apologies to all!!
Weather: Temps- 42-45 Deg.F Wind NW@ 3-8mph Heavy fog and light rain in AM to partly cloudy in PM
Raptor Observations: COONAPALOOZA XXI. !!!!!!! The soggy start to the day couldn't dampen our spirits ! Our late season celebration on the mountain continues to be the highlight of the year and just keeps getting better and better ! Great seeing all of the smiling faces up on the ridge! A great effort by everyone in making the long trek to 'Coon while being weighed down with packs full of food and beverages to be shared by all. Just a joyful time to give thanks to the mountain, and the raptors, and the wildlife that enrich our lives every day ! Just a perfect setting to be in while celebrating with friends old and new. Thank you all for making Coonapalooza the incredible celebration that it is !! Lori Smith's incredible Meatball sandwiches... served hot !! Al Ambler's pulled pork... the greatest pulled pork east of the Mississippi Also served hot ! Gloria Hardiman's homemade brownies.. just awesome ! Lisa Decker's home made donuts- delicious. Mike Leone's home made chocolate chip cookies.. incredible ! Joe Goddu's home made brownies- always a big hit. Not to mention all of the other snacks including pretzels, cheeses, cookies, etc, etc.. just incredible !! Thank You All !!!! And yes... we actually managed to do some hawk watching as well ! Most birds were distant today but we had a few nice looks at Redtails, and plenty of Bald Eagle action with numerous birds chasing and diving on each other. Brian H was looking up ridge and saw 2 Bald Eagles lock talons and spiral below the ridge out of sight ! Our bird of the Day selection goes to the first bird we had today which was a Northern Harrier ( nice pick Brian ) that came down ridge out of the fog. It lazily crossed in front of the watch site and headed past us on the reservoir side. Such a cool setting to see this harrier emerge from the fog !
Non-raptor Observations: Loons- 8 TV's Ravens- 6 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
