Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks, Steve Tysz
Weather: Mostly cloudy to start; cloud-cover steadily decreased until nearly zero at the end of the watch. Wind NW 5-11 mph. Temperature 39-43 F.
Raptor Observations: A baker's dozen of migrants, highlighted by yet another early-morning, adult Golden Eagle just after 8:30 EDT. Otherwise a disappointing tally on a day with favorable winds. Four Bald Eagles stubbornly refused to depart (one adult, three immature birds), as did several Red-tailed Hawks. Our regular trio of Black Vultures put in an appearance at 11:07.
Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Doves (9; impatient for us to go away and leave them in peace to eat the millet I spread on the hilltop), Blue Jays (2), American Crows (5), Common Ravens (7 in one group), Black-capped Chickadees (2), Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebirds (2), American Robins (5), American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco. A possible Evening Grosbeak flew across the hilltop and plunged silently in the woods; I could make out a squarish, solid white patch in the secondaries before it disappeared. Side note: I dislike the standard terms "unkindness," "conspiracy" and "treachery for a gathering of Ravens â how about a "nevermore" or a "quoth" of Ravens? I really need to get out less. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
