Date: 10/21/26 1:02 pm From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Jacks Mountain (21 Oct 2026) 5 Raptors
for those who didn't read to the end, I'll call special attention to this important note:
"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."
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From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Hawkcount.org reports <reports...>
Sent: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 15:04:11
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Jacks Mountain (21 Oct 2026) 5 Raptors
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.
