Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Julie Brown, Phil Brown
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Nora Hanke, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 19, including several early morning hikers.
Weather: Cloudy, cool, and breezy with winds from the west at a pretty good clip all day. Temps 37-43 F. Overcast skies with a cloud deck skimming across the top of Monadnock, keeping the higher reaches in the Whites hidden much of the day, but some clearing at day's end.
Raptor Observations: The first scan of the day produced a red-tail, which proceeded to migrate by over the next 15 minutes. Just past 10:30 am, a large raptor appeared just to the west near the horizon. Three observers enjoyed a look at all the features of this subadult golden eagle - the head to tail ratio, slight dihedral, plumage details, and soar from the upstroke. It's now an above-average season for goldens, and with 10 days to go, perhaps another record season is in sight?!
Non-raptor Observations: 1 Common Loon, 12 Canada Geese, 1 Pine Siskin, and 1 Tufted Titmouse (uncommon here), in addition to the other regulars.
Predictions: Looks like the pick of the week! Lighter WNW winds and more sunshine should spell some good late-season movement for red-tails and maybe some of their friends. Please note that Thursday, 11/12 is the LAST DAY FOR AUTO ROAD ACCESS for the season, and the weather that day isn't looking great for counting. So come on up tomorrow if you can! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
