Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jerry McWilliams, Julie Leonard, Michele Franz, Roger Donn
Visitors: I had lots of welcomed help today spotting birds and keeping track of numbers of individuals. We had a couple of clickers going, but some of the kettles were too big to click-off. Assistants today included Julie Leonard, Roger Donn, and Michele Franz. Other visitors and spotters were Katie Andersen, Randy Donn, Doug Massey, and Jane Ross
Weather: Cloudy with a strong SSW wind and continued warmer than average temps.
Raptor Observations: Rain was predicted this morning with steady showers in the PM, so I thought today's watch was going to be a 'washout' However, the rain held off until the 1230 EST hour. Therefore, we had a pretty active morning and early afternoon, though not the big BW bonanza we were hoping for, with the flight holding strong near the lake the entire time. There was a fair movement of SS from 0900 to the 1100 hr. then the BWs really started kicking in coming in low and overhead early then rising so high, I am sure we missed a bunch. Just before the rain came there was a steady movement of TVs. At 1220 EST the winds shifted to the west, rain started, and the temp dropped rapidly ending today's flight.
Non-raptor Observations: The first Chimney Swift of the season passed through and there was a movement of Blue Jays and cowbirds, along with a mix of other blackbirds. 33 Double-crested Cormorant's were counted. There were a couple of Killdeer and an unidentified shorebird as well.
Predictions: Much cooler with west winds and some sun. A lakeshore flight, not likelyJerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
