Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Ralph, Carol Spease, Jim Lewis, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Mike Fowles
Visitors: 32, including about 20 from an OSHER lifelong learning field trip.
Weather: Sunny except for occasional small short-lived clouds. Light winds that shifted from NE to SE then to SW.
Raptor Observations: An adult Broad-winged Hawk was flushed from down below and perched in a tree next to the hawk watch at the start of the count before Blue Jays chased it away. A decent morning liftoff of broad-wings with kettles up to 40 individuals, though most were distant to the north. None were seen after the initial few hours and the final total was 166. Small numbers of other expected species including 3 harriers, 16 sharpies, and four merlins.
Non-raptor Observations: 11 Canada Geese, Common Nighthawk, 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 2 Belted Kingfishers, 60 Cedar Waxwings, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, 32 monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S393231559
New species for season: Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Predictions: TOMORROW: Plentiful sunshine. High 82F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Another good day for strong thermals so broad-wings should be on the move if any are in the area. A southerly wind is less favorable for migration, but a westerly element is better for our chances of broad-wings the next few days. Spotting will be difficult again without many clouds. Broad-wing numbers still haven't built up much at the New England sites yet, so I wouldn't expect a big broad-wing day, but maybe we'll be surprised. We didn't have any afternoon broad-wings today so a good morning liftoff seems unlikely.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy becoming partly cloudy. High 84F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. Clouds will help with spotting. Still a less favorable wind direction.
FRIDAY: A day to keep an eye on. Partly cloudy. High 84F. Wind N at 5-10mph. A great wind, along with some clouds for spotting. If broad-wings start being seen in higher numbers north of us the next few days then this could be the day to aim for. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
