Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Chris Eddy
Observers: Bill Enright, Bryan DiFabio, Cindy Rost, Eric Mueller, Jack Miano, Jean Hampel, Joanne Hart, Joe Drega, Katie Durham, Lisa Burwell, Paul Roberts, Scott Carlson, Steve Farrell, Susan Moses, Tom Gottschang, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Many thanks to the solid crew of observers today. In addition to those listed above, we got help from Allison Meleedy, David Proetti, John Liller, Kim Kastler, George Gove, Judy Gove, David Goodine, Julie Roberts, Jenny, Matt, and Peg. Carl stopped by to chat.
We were so busy that we didn't pay much attention to the number of hikers and sightseers.
Weather: We were in the middle of a strong (30.4+ inHg) double high-pressure system that strectched from the Middle Atlantic states up through New England, resulting in clear skies, clear air, and weak easterly winds here that faded off as they shifted to the SE. Visibility was very good with all of the regular landmarks easily seen. Temps were from 53 to 65 F.
Raptor Observations: Birds started moving not long after we arrived, and really kicked into gear at 9:00 am EST. Without the strong winds of the past few days, the migrating birds used thermals for lift today, which gave us more time to view them, even as the birds rose to fairly high altitudes. We had double-digit numbers of double-digit kettles for the first time this season, with 5 kettles containing between 20 to 40 birds each in the morning.
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-3, TV-6 (possibly more), Bald Eagle-5, Red-shoulder-2, Red-tail-3.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date: In 1995, the 25th largest daily Broad-wing flight (4,667), and the 24th largest total raptor flight (4,783) at Wachusett Mt
In 2001, the 18th largest Broad-wing flight (5,027) and the 18th largest total raptor flight (5,100) at Wachusett Mt
In 2013, the 4th largest Broad-wing flight (14,471) and the 4th largest total raptor flight (14,535) at Wachusett Mt. About this flight, Paul Roberts wrote: "After a very slow start, a true "River of Hawks" began forming at about 11:30 EDT and continued to flow from northeast of the mountain, passing just north of or over the summit, and rekettling to our west or northwest, until shortly after 2:00 p.m. EDT. One of our closest large flights, with many Broadwings streaming over the summit and rekettling just west of us. Most of the Bald Eagles (75% adult) passed very close." "Our largest flight since Sept 13, 1989 (15,916 Broadwings). Thanks to everyone who helped spot and count. I had doubted that I would ever see a flight of this magnitude in Massachusetts again. It was incredible and indescribable." Counter: Steve Olson. Observers: Jane Sender (1st time on Wachusett), Marcus Rhodes, Jenifer Glagowski, Judy Davis, Ann Smith, Sandy Shepard, Katherine Chihowski, Sam Miller, Kathy Olson, Ursula & David Goodine, Paul Roberts, Rod Chase, Jackie Boucher.
Non-raptor Observations: A group of at least 20 Common Ravens soared around for much of the day. Normally we love to watch the ravens, but today, they joined multiple raptor kettles, which really complicated our counting.
Other non-raptors: D-C Cormorant-2, Blue Jay-1, N Flicker-1,T Titmouse-1, Gr Catbird-1, D-E Junco-6, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Wednesday should bring a lot of the clouds that we've been yearning for over the last few days - mostly cloudy to start and then partly cloudy for the rest of the day. Temps from low 60's to mid-70's, with moderate humidity. Three small linked high-pressure systems over the upper East Coast will bring winds from the WSW averaging 7-9 mph - not optimal by any means, but the birds are on the move, so we hope to have a good flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
