Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Mike Tetlow, Pat Lindsay, Pat Martin, Vid Killius
Visitors: 9
Weather: The morning started off quite breezy with SW winds at 15-20mph, partial sun, and temps in the low 60s. As the day progressed, the wind increased to 20-25mph with some higher gusts and at times shifted more west. Temps reached a high of 70F. Overall the skies were mostly cloudy with only short periods with sun. Rain started at 4:30pm.
Raptor Observations: The flight started early with Sharp-shinned Hawks moving down the barrier island. After a couple hours, the Broad-winged Hawks started to get up along with some Turkey Vultures. Sharp-shinned Hawks were the most abundant bird today with a total of 320. There were almost equal numbers of Turkey Vultures (281) and Broad-winged Hawk (289), along with decent numbers of Red-tailed Hawks (35) and Bald Eagles (32). The more unusual raptors seen today include 1 Peregrine Falcon and 1 Golden Eagle!
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays were on the move again with large flocks congregating over the West Spit before heading east. The largest single flock seen today was estimated to be around 2,500! Scarlet Tanagers, Bobolinks, and both species of oriole were seen flying east along the parkway. There were also some warblers flying over including Pine, Magnolia, Yellow-rump, Palm, Yellow, and Black-throated Green. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
