Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Thomas Filip
Observers: Ken Bowman, Nick Bolgiano
Weather: Wind S/SE, light at start, but mostly 8-12 mph, mostly sunny with a few clouds later in the day.
Raptor Observations: Migrating raptors include 8 OSPR, 3 BAEA, 3 RTHA, 40 BWHA, 2 SSHA, 2 TUVU and 1 PEFA.
Overall a modest but fun last day. Strong thermals and mostly clear skies pushed the birds very high up, making spotting difficult. We thought today could have been a big Osprey day. While 8 isn't what I'd call a big day, it was our high count for the season. However, the real raptor highlight of the day was the Peregrine Falcon, our first and only of the season. It was spotted by Ken who saw it when Nick and I were looking at an Osprey. Thank goodness he was here to save the day again. I have been complaining all of April about not seeing a single Peregrine, and had Ken not been here today we wouldn't have gotten one. Thank you Ken!
This was the last watch day for 2026. We recorded 224 Golden Eagles, the 3rd highest seasonal tally in 26 years. As this is the species that we focus on, it was a very successful season. Numbers of Ospreys, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Broad-winged Hawks were below average, as April winds were less favorable.
The passerine highlight of the day was undoubtedly the single EVGR flyover. A female/immature, it flew over while I was eating my lunch. I froze when I heard the call and got on it quickly when I heard it a second time. I've been hoping for a EVGR flyover all season and I'm glad it finally happened on the last day.
Also notable was the 83 BLJA we had today. There were 2 large groups, one with about 35 and one with about 45. When the second group of 45 came through, about 10 broke off and started to make a fuss, perhaps because they noticed a hawk sitting in the woods.
Other flyovers include 1 DCCO, 8 BARS, 1 AMPI, and 29 AGOL. The AMPI seemed a bit late to me as I haven't had one here since March.
There was a noticeable increase in the number of local passerines, most notably the BAWW. They seemed eager to start claiming territory and were singing and calling into the afternoon.
The local raven was seen carrying food back to its nest again a couple of times. I spotted those ravens carrying nest material on my first day here, so it has been nice to see that their nest seems to have been successful.
Not a bird, but I saw the Red-backed Vole that lives in the rocks pop out briefly one last time.
Predictions: Last day, so no predictions needed! But in case anybody is curious, it's supposed to be S/SSE wind tomorrow with a good chance of rain. If the rain holds off it could actually be a decent day in the morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
