Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Andy Dickson
Observers: Mike Ceci
Weather: Predawn storm cleared and strong southwesterly winds dominated throughout the watch. Mid morning skies cleared 50%. Temps exceeding 70F. A front came through at 2pm pushing a good numbers ahead of it then shutting down the flight.
Raptor Observations: Excellent opening day for RHW with higher species count than expected. Good cloud cover made spotting easier, though birds came through at varying altitudes, some without warning and just skimming the vineyards, others painfully high. Spotting was difficult with numerous passerines always in the field of vision. We had a low fly-by and excellent look at a goshawk.
Non-raptor Observations: 3 groups of Sandhill cranes numbering 4,3 & 3. Thousands of Redwing blackbirds mostly in the first 3 hours of the watch. Killdeer, Starlings Merganzers, crows, Ringbill gulls, Canada geese.
Predictions: Mostly sunny, westerlies and cooler temps... good flight conditions. Devin and Kaytelyn plan to cover the watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew J. Dickson (<adickson3...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
