Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Mark Morris
Observers: David Brown, Greg McGuane, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: First, big thanks to all of the observers who endured a long day without a lot of reward. In addition to those listed above, we got much appreciated help from Judy Peeler, John Peeler, Denise Martineau, Jim Kundzicz, Han-Ting Lin, Juwen Lin and Per Christianson.
Weather: Cloudy throughout duration with a scant few peeks of sun in the afternoon. Low cloud deck under the summit from Monadnock Mt to the West and South during first hour. Visibility was hampered by persistent moderate low haze. Temperatures were fairly warm 62-74 F. Winds were WSW 3-7 mph.
Raptor Observations: All raptors on this day were reluctant to be seen. We were able to find 2 migrating Ospreys in 6 hours of observing. Non-migrating Raptors included 17 Turkey Vultures and 1 adult Bald Eagle. A kettle of 13 TVs came up briefly to the NE and dispersed under the horizon. None of the Raptors wanted to climb up very high as lift seemed to be absent. A total of 3 species of Raptors were recorded, all in the afternoon. In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2017 � the latest date for a 100+ Broad-winged Hawk flight (155) and the 29th largest Turkey Vulture count (55) in Wachusett Mt history. Rod Chase wrote: "To make Surprise Cake: Start with frost to the north causing birds to be ready to work to 'get out of Dodge'. Add a cool morning with a light and steady breeze from the NNW all morning. Bake under sun for 1.5 hours, then: Sprinkle with surprised observers who enjoyed come-and-go bursts of activity all day long. The Surprise: I was hoping for 41 birds and our 11,000th raptor of the year. 272/11,231 works fine!"
In 2021, Eric Mueller wrote: "The day started slowly, but a little after 10 am (11 EDT), the birds started coming through steadily in ones and twos. As the thermals built up, some of the flight moved up to binocular limit heights, but enough of the Sharpies and Kestrels stayed low that we had to keep watch everywhere. 74 migrant raptors in total - we had a nice spread of birds with 11 species identified. The Sharpies have been pretty ornery, going after bigger birds like Coops, Eagles and Ospreys as they moved along."
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: E. Phoebe-1 Blue Jay-60, including migrating groups of 26 and 24 Comm Raven-6 B.C. Chickadee-2 T. Titmouse-1 warbler species-3 Y-Rumped Warbler-1 W.Throated Sparrow-2 Chipping Sparrow-2 E.Towhee-1
Predictions: Friday's forecast calls for more sun than today, partly cloudy skies for the most part with stronger 10-13 mph WSW winds. Temps are expected to be unseasonably high, almost reaching 80 F on the summit, with moderate humidity. The main cloud base should be high through mid-afternoon. The questions will be whether there will be fog or low clouds again in the morning, and how well the warm air will generate any thermals for the birds to use. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
