Days like today make the long, sweaty hikes into Coon all worthwhile. A very solid flight today with many close and incredible looks at raptors. We had approx. 2 dozen raptors ( mostly Sharpies) at the owl decoy !! The partly cloudy skies made for great spotting and the moderate to strong NW winds ( perfect for our ridge) had the birds hurtling down ridge right on top of us at times !! Our falcon flight was one of the best I've had in a number of years with Kestrels leading the charge ! Mostly gorgeous male birds putting on an incredible show. Sharpies just all day long ! A great Bald Eagle flight with a few late afternoon adults at point blank range. Our first solid Coopers hawk flight of the season was a treat .All 6 Peregrines were nice looks. As a matter of fact.. the 2:08 Adult Peregrine is our selection for Bird of the Day. This bird passed close by on the river side and drew a collective "WOW" from the count crew!! Just gorgeous !! Thanks to all for the great spotting efforts on this very memorable day on the ridge !! IT WAS AWESOME !!!!
Non-raptor Observations: Ravens- many TV's- many BV's Monarch- 5 Buckmoths WB Nuthatch YB Sapsucker Red-bellied Woodpecker Porcupine- ( seen by Harry & Bruce on the hike out) ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Thomson (<hawkinflight...>)
