Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Jim McCoy, Mark Timmerman, Nate Marchessault, Nora Hanke, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 196. Thanks Chris, Silas, and many others for spotting birds with us!
Weather: Cold, November-like day with temps in the low thirties and winds from the northwest. Short snow squall during 12 o'clock. Cloudy for much of the day but sunny for the last two hours of the count. Nice view of the snowy mountains to our north later in the day.
Raptor Observations: Exciting day with thirteen different raptor species. First double-digit counts of Red-tailed Hawks (10) and Merlins (11). Several Turkey Vultures on the move, and a slight uptick in Bald Eagle numbers continues. But the two best parts of the day are described below:
A little before 12pm, a dark eagle was spotted flying high in the distance. Very buteo-like with a small head and noticeable dihedral, it turned out to be the season's first Golden Eagle! It moved towards the south and joined up with two more eagles. One was a Bald Eagle with much flatter wings and the other was another adult Golden with the same shape and dihedral as the first bird. The three of them then soared away together, never coming close enough for satisfying looks but still leaving many observers happy.
Later in the day, just after 4pm, an interesting raptor was spotted flying above North Pack, surrounded by three ravens. Dark underneath with long black-and-white wings, it was none other than a Rough-legged Hawk! It flew high towards the southeast, with one of the ravens following it for most of the way. Just as it was about to disappear behind the trees, it miraculously turned around and started coming back, flying lower and lower until it was right out in front of the hawkwatch. What a special moment! Gorgeous dark-morph bird with crisp, eye-catching plumage. Observers were able to capture many beautiful photographs. Eventually it flew up and off towards the southwest.
Other raptor highlights included a "gray ghost" adult male harrier flying through the valley, a juvenile Peregrine flying directly overhead, and a big goshawk gliding powerfully through the wind.
Non-raptor Observations: The chickadees and juncos appreciated extra birdseed during the cold weather. Several Yellow-rumped Warblers flew over, and 307 Canada Geese went by, including one flock of 43 birds flying right above us and close enough to hear.
Predictions: Sunnier and warmer tomorrow, with only a light northwest breeze. Looks like a good day for thermals. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
