Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Cindy Rost, Lisa Burwell, Scott Carlson, Scott Wahlstrom, Susan Moses, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: A surprisingly high number of sightseers (300?) including a senior citizen group and a group home outing, plus quite a few people speaking foreign languages (more normally weekend visitors).
Weather: Blustery winds from the West all session, with gusts up to 26 mph. Temps from 61 to 68 F. High humidity created a haze that blocked our view of Mt Greylock, the VT mountains and the Pawtuckaways. The last of the fog on Wachusett was rising as we arrived, but the resulting scattered clouds took a long time to rise above Mt Monadnock's height. Low-lying fog covered the southeastern border of NH until late morning. Bright skies in the morning, but the clouds really thickened around noon, and approaching rain gave us an acceptable reason to leave early.
Raptor Observations: A disappointing count after Monday's fine results. During today's session, I blamed the strong West winds for the lack of birds, but looking back, I think that the root issue was more likely the persistent morning fog in southestern NH. It may have delayed the birds up there enough that they weren't willing to deal with the strong winds afterwards.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-4, Bald Eagle-2 (Juv), Red-shoulder-1 (tussling with a Raven), Red-tail-2
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 1985, the 4th largest Goshawk count (3) in Wachusett Mt history
In 2018, Bill Rasku wrote: "First Golden Eagle of year. Sunlight buff gold head with slight dihedral. Seen to the East headed close to front before dipping into Oaks below tree line." Other observers: Charlie Roche, Darryl Turek, Susan Williamson, Tom Gottschang
In 2020, Rod Chase wrote: "Raptors: TVs (21) and RTs (12) led the way, the 3 NHs were nice again but the last bird was a CLOSE female Kestrel who flew between the two towers on north side and then raced around the Tower on the east side and dove to south. 15 seconds total!" (Eric's note: 52 total migrating raptors) "A very slow trickle of hikers in the morning and a true trickle in the afternoon. It was pleasing that a few stayed to ask about the "hawkcount logistics" and several took in the info, stories and and want to join us next September. None were dressed warmly enough to stay today. A small wedding on the summit today was cheered by most on the tower when 'that kiss' sealed the vows. Also not dressed for the weather but the couple was oblivious!" In 2021, the 12th largest Turkey Vulture count (129) in Wachusett Mt history. Rod Chase wrote: "A really nice day both for sitting on top of a mountain and for birds to migrate." "Finally, the kind of day that we've been hoping for all week - 178 migrants counted. Today's data compiler, Bill Rasku, had his nickname changed from "The Osprey Whisperer" to "The TV Whisperer" as 129 of the vultures flew by today. Sharp-shinned Hawks were next in line with 15 counted, and the Red-tailed Hawks started moving for real this season with 11 counted today. Plus we had a nice spread of birds with 11 species counted altogether." Other observers - Rod Chase, Chris Eddy, Marty McNamara, Kathy Olson, Judith Covey and Joe Drega.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose-32 (single skein), Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-15, DE Junco-2. The Ravens were the first birds up in the morning (8:22 EST), and were having a great time soaring up on the winds that blew up the west side of the mountain.
Predictions: For Thursday, a sunny day with clear skies, temps in the 50's and moderate humidity. In the morning, solid 8-10 mph winds with gusts to 18 mph, but dropping down into the single digits around noon. This could be a good flight, especially after today's dearth of birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
