Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Paul Gosselin
Observers: Hugh Kent, Jaron Wilkinson, Kiah Jasper, Kory Renaud, Mike Jaber, Robin Smallwood
Visitors: Huge thanks to our counters Hugh, Jaron, Kiah, Kory, Mike, and Robin. Was nice to talk to Dwayne and Edward and everyone else who visited us on this slower day.
Weather: Mainly cloudy with south-eastern winds. Sun did peak through a few times during the afternoon. Temperature started around 10C, peaking at 18C.
Raptor Observations: Unfortunately it was a relatively quiet day on the tower with the majority of raptors flying far to the south. Some nice views of Northern Harriers (6) hawking over the marsh. Turkey Vultures (161) and Red-tailed (22) did most of the "heavy" lifting today. Two Merlins made their appearance which pushes us over the 2020 all-time record!
The month of October did provide a great viewing of Raptors with 16 species, including a Black Vulture and and American Goshawk. Record breaking amounts of Turkey Vultures descended on the tower which helped us push over 200,000 individuals.
Non-raptor Observations: "TOWNSEND SOLITARE" shouted Kiah as he identified it in flight as it fluttered into the marsh, posed for a few seconds so everyone could see, then disappeared into the understory. Even the appearance of Leaf the meadow vole eating a leaf couldn't top that highlight. Townsend Solitaire (A first for HBMO), Lapland Longspur and American Tree Sparrow (3) were all first of the Season! On the marsh we were greeted with the normal splattering of ducks with Ring-Necked (1640) and Gadwall (870) being the majority. Good amounts of Canvasback (162), American Coot (350) and to the delight of Jaron, Pied-Billed Grebe (47)
Full list can be found at https://ebird.org/checklist/S407000795 With October coming to an end we have reached a total of 191 species for this season, our goal set to 200. Still waiting on the arrive of species like Tundra Swans and Common Goldeneye.
Predictions: Expecting a similar day as today, both weather and expected raptors. Slow southeast winds, mainly cloudy with highs around 18C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Paul Gosselin (<paulgosselin25...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
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