Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 13 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Brad Carlson, Bridget Watts, Cliff Dekdebrun, Daena Ford, Dan Niven, Mike Tetlow, Robin Morey, Roger Clark, Rosemary Reilly
Visitors: 20
Weather: The early morning was warm and humid with temps in the high 60s, SW winds at 10-15mph, and mostly clear skies. The SW winds increased to 15-20mph with some stronger gusts, and then diminished again by the evening. Temps reached a high of 89F, so much of the count was conducted from the shade of the big hickory tree. There were only a few scattered puffy clouds in the middle of the day.
Raptor Observations: We enjoyed a great flight of young Broad-winged Hawks today, with 1348 individuals. Turkey Vultures were also abundant, with 931. Bald Eagles (79) and Northern Harriers (29) continue to put on a good show, and we had our highest daily total of Osprey (26) for the season. Most of the birds were moving along the lakeshore and right over the platform, although lots were pretty high.
Non-raptor Observations: There were several surprises today, starting with two Glossy Ibis flying southeast in the morning! There were lots of other wading birds moving today, with plenty of Green Herons and Great Blues, plus a single Cattle Egret that flew down the lakeshore. A late female Ring-necked Duck was seen in the bay, and two stunning Red-headed Woodpeckers flew along the parkway. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
