Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Ben Shamgochian, Bill Shapiro, Liza Alenchery
Visitors: Frequent visitor Steve Singer came by to say hello with his friend Brian; as did another frequent visitor Oliver Kleinbub who left just before we witnessed the dogfight
Weather: Light (2-1) NNW winds gradually shifted to SE by the last three hours of the watch. Cloud cover began at 0%. Around 10 AM cumulus clouds started forming in the northwest. By 12 noon they covered 50% of the sky, but then gradually disappeared such that at the last hour only 5% of the sky had clouds. Temperature went from 13�-18�-17�C
Raptor Observations: Small movement of raptors Non-migrating -- one adult BE; at least one TV; four RT, including at least one adult; one adult and one immature RS While there were very few migrating raptors, those of us who were on the Rock from 1:30-1:45 PM (EST) got to witness one of the best displays of aggressive behavior by a Peregrine Falcon. From my notes after the event. As a Raven came toward the Rock, all of a sudden a small (male) Peregrine began repeatedly dive-bombing the Raven. As we watched the Peregrine repeatedly dive and then fly up again to renew the attack, an immature Red-tailed hawk decided to join the fray and also began attacking the Raven. However, the Red-tailed Hawks' attacks did not last long as it soon also became the target of the Peregrine, causing it to fly away. As the Raven continued to fly toward us, while under attack, the dogfight continued almost above our heads. The Raven flew to the nearby tower and landed and we thought the Peregrine had flown off. We were wrong as the Peregrin once more flew upward to dive-bomb the Raven which was now on the tower, before finally flying off. I would estimate that the Peregrine continued its attacks for at least 15 minutes.
Non-raptor Observations: In addition to three Ravens, an Eastern Phoebe showed up near the end of the watch
Predictions: Winds tomorrow will be light from the NE, not ideal conditions, so if I do go to the Rock I may only stay a half-day. Wind conditions seem to be much more favorable for Monday and Tuesday with very strong westerly winds on Monday moderating slightly on Tuesday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
