Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Michael Burton-Smith
Observers: David Wharton, Juliette Herdman, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey, Robin Smallwood, Stephen Courtney, Wade Carlton
Visitors: Thanks to Noel, Mike, Wade, Peter, Steve, David, Paul and Robin for your help on the tower today, and to Emily and her wonderful first and second grade classes who came up with lots of questions about all the birds!
Weather: A modest northerly continued throughout the morning, switching to a south-easterly in the afternoon. Mainly cloudy skies, with some sunny patches around midday.
Raptor Observations: Cooper's Hawk were the big talking point today, with our highest count for the season so far. There were several good movements of Turkey Vulture both in the mid-morning and in the mid-afternoon, with the usual lunchtime lull in-between. It has been nice to see a continued trickle of Red-tailed Hawk, as well as a few fantastic Red-shouldereds including one perched with the cormorants in the early afternoon!
Looking out over the lake is getting more and more rewarding, with a very exciting Black Scoter seen flying in the afternoon along with several scaup and a Common Loon. This is the fifth time a Black Scoter has been recorded as part of the HBMO hawk count.
On the marsh, dabbling ducks and Ring-necked Duck continue to show in good numbers, as well as great views of a first year Lesser Black-backed Gull flying with Ring-billed Gulls of various ages, allowing for a great comparison between the two species. The Muskrat couple were busily feeding in the late afternoon, giving our best views of them this season.
Predictions: While tomorrow probably won't break any records, the slight northerly component to the westerly winds may bring in some raptors as the day progresses. Turkey Vultures will likely pass by in dribs and drabs, and cloudy skies can correspond with a bit more activity from our falcons and Northern Harrier. If you do join us tomorrow or over the weekend, keep an eye out for Dark-eyed Juncos on the trails and in the parking lot. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Burton-Smith () Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
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