Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Bridget Watts
Observers: Chuck Stiles, Cliff Dekdebrun, Dan Niven, Luke Seitz, Maili Waters, Mike Tetlow
Weather: Predicted T-storms never materialized. Light WSW winds, shifting to west and then north. Pleasant warm day with a mixture of blue sky and clouds.
Raptor Observations: Surprisingly good flight of Red-tailed Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks for the first 2 hours, including what seemed like a higher percentage of Broad-wings than usual for the summer count. Flight started out mostly overhead, at various heights, shifting inland somewhat after the lake breeze came up. Flight died off completely after about 12:15 EST. Several local Ospreys, Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles, and a female Kestrel hanging around the bay weren't included in the count.
Non-raptor Observations: Lots of American Goldfinch, Purple Martins, and Barn Swallows in the air. A Least Bittern called repeatedly from the marsh.
Predictions: Could be decent? Good wind direction in the morning, SW and S, but winds are weak. Showers and T-storms predicted for the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bridget Watts (<wattsbridget7...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
