Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to Tom for the additional set of eyes and the companionship.
About 20 hikers and bicyclists passing by on North Rd.
Weather: Low clouds covered the region in the morning, with occasional patches of sun scattered around. The clouds hid the upper section of Mt Monadnock the entire session, with the cloud base estimated at 2500 to 2800 ft AMSL. Very hazy areas to our NW were probably mist or sprinkles; we had some light sprinkles in the 11-12 hour. Winds away from our sheltered area were quite a bit higher than what's shown in our data. They were averaging 16 mph with gusts to 30 mph at the Worcester airport. The clouds began to break up after we left.
Raptor Observations: With strong winds in the forecast, Eric decided to observe from the North Rd overlook instead of the exposed platform on the summit, both for personal comfort's sake and on the theory that migrating birds might fly low in the face of strong winds. The comfort idea worked out OK, but no migrating raptors appeared. The low cloud cover may have discouraged them. With no migrating birds after 3 hours, we ended the watch early.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2017, Rod Chase wrote: "Upon arrival: had 1/4 inch of snow on platform (no shoveling required!)" (Eric's note: 52 total raptors, including 16 TVs with a kettle of 11, and 22 Red-tails) "Non-raptor notes: 1 deer (up to escape hunters), 1 Monarch." "Compiler Ted Mara, other observer Bill Rasku"
In 2020, Rod Chase wrote: "Migrating: 1 Red-shouldered hawk, 1 Unidentified Raptor." "Observer & compiler: Lone hiker with scope Tom Gottschang!"
In 2023, the 6th largest Red-shouldered Hawk count (19, tied with 1 other date) in Wachusett Mt history. Eric Mueller wrote from Bill Rasku�s notes: "Bill and the team lasted as long as they could in the cold and strong winds. The birds were getting good lift, especially early on, probably from the winds." (note: 39 total raptors counted) "Non-raptor notes: UL (Unidentified Leaf) - many (mimicking Sharpies)" "Observers - Bill Rasku, Kurt Mangsen, Paul Vanderhoof"
Non-raptor Observations: duck sp-1, gull sp-5, DC Cormorant-10, Amer Crow-13 (all headed East), Comm Raven-3, Amer Robin-5, Amer Goldfinch-1, DE Junco-20.
Predictions: Monday's weather looks similar to today's, with clouds all day, solid W winds with gusts to 25 mph, and temps in the 50's. However there is a possibility of showers in both the 9 am and 10 am hours, so we will probably not conduct a watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
