Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Bill Rasku, Cindy Rost, Gianna Arcuri, Lisa Burwell, Susan Moses, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Many thanks to our observers today, including Gianna Arcuri who normally observes at the Florida Keys Hawkwatch. We enjoyed hearing about the Florida site and other interesting places that she has worked at.
It was nice to see Tom's wife Karen again, as well as our friend Frannie. Along with a steady stream of sightseers and hikers, 52 fifth graders from The Gordon School in E Providence RI hiked up the mountain, cheering their classmates as they crested the summit. We enjoyed talking to these well-behaved students.
Weather: A very warm, humid, hazy day with moderate to strong SW winds all session. We couldn't see the Boston skyline at all, and Mt Grace to the NW and the Uncanoonucks to the NE were barely visible. Temps ranged from 63 to 77 F. We had thin cirrus clouds above all day, with a high stratus layer moving in as the day progressed. We left the tower at 1:15 pm EST as a line of rain clouds moved in from the northwest.
Raptor Observations: Another weak count with only 9 migrating birds visible. A few birds used the headwind to rise up on the windward side of the mountain, so we might have lost some birds who also snuck low around the mountain but then stayed below our sightlines.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-3, Bald Eagle-2 (no adults), Sharp-shin-2, Red-tail-1. Susan released a rehabilitated juvenile Broad-wing from the Tufts Wildlife Clinic - a great treat for everyone on the summit. We saw a juvenile flying around later on and counted it as a local bird.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2008, Steve Olson wrote: "West wind around 20 m.p.h. with gusts up to 30 m.p.h. The strong wind prevented the birds from getting much lift. The unknown raptors were pushed rapidly to the right and made identification next to impossible. Close-up raptors fared much better." (Eric�s note: 29 total raptors for the day, including 12 URs) "Our "most photographed" porcupine has relocated to just below the summit. Apparently his "people-watch" count period is done for this year." Other observer: Bill LaFleche
In 2017, Rod Chase wrote: "Raptors went by mostly in 1's and 2's except for one push of TV's in the 9am hour. In the slow last hour we all had bino's on, presumably, the last bird of the day. A single sharpie was close in front when dive-bombed by a larger bird from above. We simultaneously focused on the aggressor and eyes popped! It was our first Northern Goshawk since 2014." Other observers Bill Rasku, Ted Mara, Bill LaFleche, Mark Letizi, George Russell, Marty McNamara, Steve and Kathy Olson.
In 2019, Rod Chase wrote" "View of the day was in the fog at 1:48. On the updraft coming off the North side rose 2 SSs being repeatedly hassled (revenge?) by an AK. Once above the oaks these three sped by at eye level just yards off the west rail and took their feuding SW back into fog." Other observers - Daryl Turek, Marty McNamara, Mike McNamara.
Non-raptor Observations: A group of 11 Common Ravens kept us amused with their antics all session. One bird flew around with a branchlet of berries in its talons and then with its beak.
Other non-raptors: Blue Jay-1, Downy WP-1, D-E Junco-2, E Towhee-1. 7 Chimney Swifts that flew by were the first ones that we've seen here in a while.
We killed two more Spotted Lanternflies on the tower - not a good sign for the forest here.
Predictions: Hopefully a good (maybe great?) day. Winds will finally be straight out of the North, shifting to NNE mid-day, all at a moderate 6-8 mph. We're expecting clear skies, moderate to low humidity and temps in the 60's. This should finally tell us if there are any Broad-wings left to be counted, and should kick off the second half of the Fall migration. Can a Golden Eagle be far off? ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
