Observation start time: 05:00:00
Observation end time: 19:00:00
Total observation time: 14 hours
Official Counter: Maili Waters
Observers: Brad Carlson, Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Janis George,
Mike Tetlow, Pat Lindsay, Pat Martin, Peter Burns,
Robin Morey, Roger Clark
Visitors:
15
Weather:
Southwest winds overnight lasted most of the morning, turning west in the
afternoon and then back to Southwest in the evening. The winds were 10 to
15mph in the morning increasing mid afternoon to 20-25mph, then dropping
back down to 15 to 20 miles an hour in the evening. Temperatures range from
68F to 87F. Clouds in the morning gradually cleared giving away to mostly
sunny skies in the afternoon and evening.
Raptor Observations:
Today was another good day for raptor migration thanks to the southwest
winds. We had a total of 936 birds. Broad-winged Hawks (410) and Turkey
Vultures (375) were the most numerous raptors. There are a few other
species mixed in including 17 Osprey, 13 Northern Harriers, and 8
Sharp-shinned Hawks. All three species of falcon were seen, including 3
Peregrines, 6 American Kestrels, and 2 Merlins. It was also a great day for
Bald Eagles with a total of 93, our best Bald Eagle day tally so far this
season!
Non-raptor Observations:
Overall, today was a great day of birding at the platform! Over the course
of 15 hours, I tally the total of 109 species of bird! Highlights include 2
Glossy Ibis, 3 Forester�s Terns, a Snowy Egret, and 2 American White
Pelicans. There is also a good movement of shorebirds throughout the day,
including 82 Least Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin, 4 Black-bellied Plover, and 8
Semipalmated Plover. In the evening there was a large movement of Common
Nighthawks, with at least 356 birds seen!
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Report submitted by Maili Waters (<mailirwaters...>)
Braddock Bay information may be found at:
http://www.bbrr.org/
