Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Andy Dickson
Observers: Mike Ceci
Weather: Clear skies on arrival, near 0C temps. Light SSW wind coming down escarpment turning to SW along the lake shore at site #1. Anticipated wind change was more abrupt than expected with winds turning to WNW at 12:20. Cloud cover transitioned to 95% by end of watch.
Raptor Observations: The first group of TVs passed early at 9:25 and never let up until 3pm. Early flight line was overhead at #1 and sometimes drifted back and forth to the lake shore at manageable height. Some early groups came through very low over the western trees then directly overhead and gave us little warning; some came very high and smalls were likely missed. After wind shift, flight was spread 1.5 miles wide wide between high on escarpment and lake shore, with most of the birds passing between the I90 and #2 Parker Rd location.
Non-raptor Observations: Too busy to notice.
Predictions: Dropping pressure, southerly winds and warmer temps: very good flight conditions.
A front arriving Thursday afternoon might push birds through. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew J. Dickson (<adickson3...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
