Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Joe Francis, Joe Swertinski
Observers: David Brown, Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Swertinski, Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger
Visitors: 12
Weather: Periods of sun and clouds with an extended overcast period in the midday. Moderate to strong northwesterly winds. High in the mid-60s.
Raptor Observations: Excellent winds, though the overcast periods held back the flight a bit. Overall it ended up being a slower day than anticipated. Particularly noteworthy was the lack of Red-tailed Hawks. We scanned high overhead all day and came up with little other than migrating loons.
A moderate vulture flight with 19 Black Vultures and 44 Turkey Vultures. Another Osprey. Seven Bald Eagles. Seven harriers was a nice total for this date. Four each of sharpie and Coop. Low Buteo numbers with only 5 red-shoulders and 10 red-tails. One Merlin.
Non-raptor Observations: 75 Canada Geese, 30 Common Loons, 115 Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, 2 Common Ravens, 2 Tree Swallows, 5 Purple Finches, 20 Pine Siskins, 4 Rusty Blackbirds, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S409373060
Predictions: TOMORROW: Mainly sunny. High 66F. Winds WSW at 10-15mph. A less favorable wind direction. Blue skies will make spotting difficult when the raptors get high. However, with the sun and moderate winds, overall raptor activity should be decent. Expect moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Generally sunny with a few afternoon clouds. High 66F. Winds light and variable. Expect light to moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Morning rain showers becoming a steady rain. High 59F. Winds ENE at 5-10mph. Chance of rain 80%. Poor conditions. Count will likely be shortened or cancelled. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
