Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Michael Ceci
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Today's count was delayed until the dense fog began to lift @ 11:30 AM. Earlier in the morning, visability from the Lake's shore to the escarpment was poor. The count began @ noon, initially at Site 1A. With a west wind, the birds were moving inland towards Rt 20 creating the necessity to move to Site 1B. where there was a stream of BW's and TV's. When the wind shifted to NW, moves where made further inland to Sites 2 & 3. Site 4 (Douglas Rd) was checked for a potential flight south of the normal watch sites. The wind remained NNW for the majority of the three hours.
Raptor Observations: In an effort to locate the birds, several changes were made covering all sites. The first hour's BW's (14) were streaming over Rt 20, and 5 more were viewed from Parker Rd. There were no BW's during the 2nd hour. During the final hour (2-3) 52 BW's and 59 TV's were counted at the southern-most point of Site 3.
Non-raptor Observations: Local Bald Eagles, Red-Tails, and TV's were active throughout today's watch. With the challenge of finding and viewing the BW's, little attention was devoted to non-raptors.
Predictions: Windy and cloudy in the morning with rain becoming likely late. High 73F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. With warmer temperatures and favorable SSW wind, a flight is expected in between the periods of rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
