Observation start time: 13:00:00 Observation end time: 17:30:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Michael Ceci
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Early morning temperatures were in the high 30's with a NNE wind, overcast skies and poor visibility. During 12:00 - 12:30, temperatures increased to 50F with clearing skies. During the last hour, temperatures increased to the low 60's and the wind shifted to SSE.
Raptor Observations: Briefly, I visited Site 1A @ 9:15 AM while in route to North East PA. There were no migrating TV's or raptors while driving the stretch of Rt 5 from Westfield NY to North East PA. During my return trip via Rt 20 @ 11:00 AM. I stopped at Forsyth Rd Site 1B and scanned towards the escarpment and the Lake. The NNE wind continued, offering no improvement from earlier in the morning. By noon, the weather improved with brighter skies, reduced wind, and higher temperatures. I returned to Site 1A @ 12:45. When viewed towards the escarpment a few TV's were migrating. Moves were made to 1B (Forsyth Rd) and Site 2 (Parker Rd). TV's were moving further up the escarpment. Spotting from Sites 3 & 4, 54 TV's were counted 1-2PM. From 2:00 - 2:30, 5 more TV's moved over Site 2. The flight completely shut down @ 2:15 As the afternoon progressed, the weather continued to improve with higher temperatures and wind changing to SSE. Returning to Site 2 @ 4:30 to 5:30, 129 TV's, 1 OS and 1 SS were counted. The flight came to an abrupt halt @ 5:10, and the watch was concluded at 5:30 PM.
Non-raptor Observations: Very few non-raptors today, but frequent sitings of local Bald Eagles and TV's
Predictions: With today's late afternoon resumption of TV's and and raptors, tomorrow (4/3/2026) looks promising. It will be cloudy in the morning with partial sunshine expected by early afternoon, temperature of 67F, and SW winds 15-25mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
