Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Michael Ceci
Observers:
Visitors: Kate Ebersol, despite the unfavorable conditions, stopped briefly by Site # 2 at the end of the 11-12 hour, as I departed for one final look at Sites 1B and 1A from 12:00 - 12:30.
Weather: Yesterday's large flight of TV's and raptors is better explained by severe thunderstorms and heavy winds that passed through the area after the watch concluded 03/31/2026. Early this morning (04/01/2026) remnants of the storm continued in the form of light rain until 8:30 AM. Today's watch began at 9 AM at Site 1A with NNE wind and a temperature of 38 F. Their was a low cloud ceiling throughout the watch, with very poor visibility from 11:00 - 12:30. Humidy averaged 94%, and the wind speed increased during the final 90 minutes of the watch.
Raptor Observations: As expected, yesterday's massive push of birds, combined with weather conditions were factors for today's extremely light flight. From 9-10AM, there were no migrators. With the continuing NNE wind, each inland site was used. Site 4 (Douglas Road) proved to be a valuable location to spot low flying TV's that were flying slightly below the tree line and could not be viewed from Site # 3, Creamery Road. We need to utilize Site 4 to check for activity when the other sites have empty skies. This is particularly the case when the Broad Wings are projected to come through the RHW by mid-April. It was another day of considerable watch-site changes, mostly on the escarpment.
Non-raptor Observations: Minimal migration of non-raptors today, but our local Bald Eagles and TV's continued to make their presence known throughout the morning.
Predictions: For Thursday, 04/02/26, showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 64F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. With the rising temperatures, showers potentially ending late morning, and SE winds, it's possible that a flight will materialize. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
