Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault, Tom Delaney
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Dot Currier, Judd Nathan, Mike Gebo, Robin Feustel, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 60 visitors throughout the day visited and enjoyed the crisp fall air, including two school groups.
Weather: The day started clear with winds from the ENE, mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon, and a chilly start to mild afternoon. Steady winds from the northeast throughout the day, getting a little calmer in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A decent pulse of activity mid-morning, with a trickle for the rest of the day. I had high hopes when an Osprey was right on time for the start of the count at 9 a.m., but the excitement of kettle after kettle was short-lived.
Non-raptor Observations: Early in the morning an American Pipit and my first Pine Siskin of the fall flew over. Shortly afterward, a group of cormorants was seen flying west. Other than that, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, towhee, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and White-throated Sparrows were all observed at the watch or around the summit. Nice flight of Blue Jays early, but it was also short-lived.
Blue Jays: 27/45 Monarchs: 8/810 Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 1/70
Predictions: Similar weather is predicted for tomorrow, and potentially slightly lighter winds, which are favorable. This will be the fourth day in a row with favorable migration conditions, which typically means less birds. There will be some birds on the move for sure, but as to whether it will be a big day or not is up to the birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
