Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 13:00:00
Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Greg Sanda, Mitch Barry, Niki Banke, Robin Morey,
Shannon Sanda
Visitors:
10
Weather:
Rain overnight, lasting into the morning. Overcast all day with temps in
the low 40s. Winds were from the WSW shifting to west at 15-25mph. Rain in
the afternoon. Given the strong west winds and overcast skies, it�s not too
surprising that today featured pretty light migration.
Raptor Observations:
A total of 189 migrating raptors were seen today, of which 144 were Turkey
Vultures. There were 11 Northern Harriers and 11 Bald Eagles. The highlight
of the day was a beautiful immature Golden Eagle that flew right over the
platform!
Non-raptor Observations:
Non-raptors: There was a big change in duck composition on the bay, with
over 60 Northern Shovelers and lots of Ring-necked Ducks. A tight flock of
a dozen Horned Grebes spent most of the day sleeping! Swallows were
plentiful, with around 300 Tree Swallows and at least one Barn Swallow. A
Winter Wren was singing in the parking lot, and a Fox Sparrow kept us
company (vocally, at least) in the nearby hedges.
Predictions:
Tomorrow�s weather: Cloudy in the morning will become partly sunny in the
afternoon. Temps will reach a high of 41F. Winds will be WNW at 10-15mph.
Some snow flurries or rain showers are possible. With the northerly
component to the wind I�m not expecting there to be much raptor migration
along the lakeshore.
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Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>)
Braddock Bay information may be found at:
http://www.bbrr.org/
