Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Chad Cornish
Observers: Daniel Lee, Jaron Wilkinson, Jeremy Bensette, Kitty Bradshaw, Michael Burton-Smith, Noel Herdman, Patrick Tomlinson, Paul Gosselin, Wade Carlton
Visitors: A big thanks to everyone who stuck it out with me on the tower today - Michael B-S, Wade, Kitty, Noel, Jeremy B., Paul, Jaron, Daniel, and Patrick. Another kudos to all HBMO volunteers who worked on the soggy ground to kickstart the festival. Many visitors braved the wet conditions to visit us on the tower to learn about raptor migration.
Weather: Dark skies with steady rainfall and an occasional small break in the precipitation. Winds were mild beginning NE, but quickly shifted to a southern component. The temperature hung around 18C all day, with visibility starting at a meek 3-4km, rising to 29km by end of day.
Raptor Observations: What a difference a day makes. Day 1 of the Festival of Hawks proved to be an exact opposite to yesterday's momentous count. Steady rain combined with southerly winds seemed to ground the majority of raptor squadrons today. Even so, the team managed to stick it out and bag what did decide to leave base. Gretzky's number crossed the line today; Sharp-shinned Hawks led the way (57) followed by Nothern Harriers (15), Merlin (7), Turkey Vultures and American Kestrels in a dead heat (5), Red-tailed Hawks and Osprey with 3 a piece, and Cooper's Hawk and Peregrine Falcon bringing up the rear with 2 each. A surly Merlin was also banded in the morning, much to the delight of festival goers. A juvenile Peregine also made a long pit stop at the end of the point, allowing many new birders to get a good glimpse of an impressive falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: With the skies almost raptor-less today, many binoculars were focused on the foliage around the tower; they were certainly rewarded for their efforts. An incredible 19 species of warblers were recorded as they foraged about for most of the day. On the mammal front, a Muskrat, Racoon, Cottontail, and a curious Red Fox paid a visit around Bob H-B's hummingbird traps. The ebird list can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394373306?subID=S394373306
Predictions: Unfortunately tomorrow morning's forecast is side 2 of the same record, with an 80% chance of rain until noon. Then, fingers crossed, a new beginning with sun/cloud and a NE wind. Hopefully we'll catch this break for festival day 2, and today's grounded raptors will be cleared for take off. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Chad Cornish (<mail...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
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