Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Jen Lee
Observers:
Visitors: Steady stream of leaf peepers. The Hamilton's - retired from Shavers Creek and Parks & Rec. They knew my sister as an undergrad. We always have a nice chat.
Weather: Crisp clear cool fall day. Light wind NW.
Raptor Observations: 1st bird (9:35) immature Redtail lifted close out of the woods, thermaled over the parking lot, then off down the ridge. Beautiful male N.Harrier (12:25) thermaled at parking too. Great looks.
Non-raptor Observations: Nice quiet day on the Mt. Lack of Raptors makes for other observations: 3 late Monarchs, 3 Lanternfly, 1 Praying Mantis flyby. Chickadees, WB Nuthatch, Bluejays (buzzed by one), Robins, Downy, Hairy, Pileated, Bluebirds, a blizzard of Juncos (my first of the fall), YRumped, Goldfinches, Cedar WW, 2 Hermit Thrush appeared briefly in the brushy slope, Raven (Nemo). Raptors not counted 6 TV + 3 BV (tower gang), 1 Sharpy, 1 Redtail.
Predictions: The bird rises against a strong head wind, not only in spite of the wind but because of it. The opposing force becomes a lifting force, if faced at the right angle. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Darrell Smith (<oleagleye...>)
