Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Glen Chretien
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Lori-Ann Chretien, Tom Delaney
Visitors:
All day was a race between visitors(12) and Monarch butterflies(13). The
humans may have lost the numbers game but brought great interactions.
Notably, Dave and Connie Ward and Silas Wilkins showed great interest in
the program and promised to return. Not only was Silas interested in the
raptor count but he was enchanted by the number of dragonflies surrounding
us and we hope he soon gets to meet another hawk watch regular who we know
has a similar passion.
Weather:
Great big blue skies greeted our arrival this morning. For the first time
this season, Mount Washington was visible to the unaided eye. Upon arrival
there was only a very light breeze from the N and a temperature of 62 F.
Only very high cirrus clouds to the west would hint at things to come.
There was a hint of overcast moving in by the lunch hour but the afternoon
returned to strong warm sunshine. Although winds were very light all day a
switch to SSW after 2:30 DST slowed down the movement of birds
dramatically.
Raptor Observations:
Highest count day total of the pre-season.
12:05 PM DST brought us the first true kettle of the season. A calling
Common Raven to the east caused me to look up. Instead of witnessing the
expected, an adult Broad-winged scraped just over the treetops and circled
right above the observers. Within seconds it was joined by 5 more adults
and they kettled just above the platform. The thermal caused them to rise
rapidly directly above us and they were soon pepper flakes against the high
cirrus clouds above.
The raptors knew we didn�t want the pre-season to end, and put on a show
for the ages in the last 15 minutes. Our local Peregrine made its
appearance, first chasing a Raven. Its attention was drawn away helping me
find the last Osprey of the day. The diving was merciless and the Osprey
wondered why he didn�t end the travels earlier today. The Peregrine�s
pursuit ended and the Osprey�s flight became less frantic. It turns out
that the Pergrine�s attention was instead drawn to a juvenile Northern
Harrier who was mistakenly following in the wing beats of the Osprey.
Unbelievably, the last bird of the day was an adult Broadwing who flew
below the observers while passing through the platform. The only other
birds I have seen that close was on a hawk release day
The pre-season has ended and the torch will be passed. We are grateful to
witness over 100 birds. Thank you to Phil, Mike, Tom M, Tom D., and Chuck
for all your support.
Non-raptor Observations:
RTHU 1 today/ 15 season
Monarchs 13 today/18 season
Predictions:
Pre-season is over and the full-time Hawk counter will soon take her post.
Weather looks rough until the end of the week but we all know New England
weather can be changeable. Thank you for joining me for the pre-season.
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Report submitted by Glen Chretien (<b0ba_fet...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
