Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jim Thomson
Observers:
Visitors: Hikers- 44
Weather: Temps- 61-73 Degrees F. Wind- AM- NW@2-6mph PM- Light & variable Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy at mid-day than back to partly cloudy later in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: BE-1A
A much quieter raptor day on the ridge but I can't complain because our previous 2 days have had solid migration numbers for early September. Although it was a slower day I still had some exciting moments. 4 Redtails that moved back and forth along the ridge all afternoon taking turns dogfighting with each other. None of these birds were counted today. 2 Sharpies that came in to the owl decoy were also fun to watch, but my Bird of the Day selection goes to the Merlin that came ripping in from the reservoir side at about 8 feet off the ground. It made a direct line for the owl decoy and made multiple passes at the owl while vocalizing loudly at it. The merlin than started to move down ridge only to turn back and take two more passes at the owl before finally heading off !! Merlins never disappoint !!!!
Non-raptor Observations: Red-headed Woodpecker ( immature) Monarch- 49 RT Hummers- 3 Ravens- 11 TV's & BV's Cedar Waxwings Chimney Swifts Blackbear- seen by JT on the hike out Black Swallowtail- 4 Tiger Swallowtail- 3 Great Spangled fritillary -1 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
