Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Amy O'Neill , Liam Waters , Mike Tetlow, Pat Lindsay,
Vid Killius
Visitors:
10
Weather:
Dense fog in the morning delayed the start of the count until it cleared at
around 9:30am. We had partly sunny skies for the rest of the day, with
temps starting in the 50s and reaching a high of 66F. The winds started as
SW at 10-15mph, however the lake breeze kicked in around 11am, which
stopped the flight for the most part. We did move in to Frisbee Hill, but
we couldn�t pick up any flight lines and only had a smattering of birds. As
the lake breeze dissipated, we moved back to Braddock Bay Park where the
last two hours of the count were conducted.
Raptor Observations:
After the fog cleared, Sharp-shinned Hawks started to move, soon followed
by Turkey Vultures and Broad-winged Hawks. A Black Vulture got up with a
group of Turkey Vultures, however we decided that it was most likely the
same bird we saw yesterday evening, and had probably roosted nearby. The
highlight of the day was a very cooperative American Goshawk! It was first
seen over the west spit with a group of vultures and then slowly worked its
way east along the barrier island. It was circling at the top of the
vulture kettle providing excellent views. When the lake breeze kicked in
all the birds disappeared. Only a handful of birds were seen for the rest
of the day with Broad-winged Hawks being the most numerous species.
Non-raptor Observations:
Some flocks of robins were moving after the fog lifted, however the
passerine flight was very limited. There were a few more Barn Swallows
around than the past few days.
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Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>)
Braddock Bay information may be found at:
http://www.bbrr.org/
