Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown, Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: Byron Swift, David Brown, David Goodman, Ian Teaell, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Pat Goodman
Visitors: 14
Weather: Early morning fog with calm winds. Partly sunny in the morning becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon. A moderate northwest wind that was gusty at times. A pleasant day to be out.
Raptor Observations: Favorable conditions all day. A moderate raptor flight for most of the day with a peak in the early afternoon. Seventeen Black Vultures counted as migrants, as we continue to see increasing numbers of this species. Twenty-one Turkey Vultures, mostly from a late-day push. A good day for big raptors with five Ospreys and 28 Bald Eagles.
A moderate Accip flight with 48 sharpies and 7 Coops. Three harriers including an adult male. Broad-winged Hawks continue to trickle through with another ten today, plus a handful of red-shoulders and a red-tail. An adult and two immature Red-shouldered Hawks gave excellent looks at they soared low over the lookout. Another falcon trifecta with 37 kestrels, a Merlin, and a peregrine.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 63F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. The good wind direction continues, though weaker than today. Should be another day of good migration. Spotting may be difficult when the raptors get high if there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds SSW at 5-10mph. A less favorable wind direction, though fairly weak. Raptors should be active regardless. Expect moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds W at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
