Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Visitors: About 50 hikers and bikers came up to the summit. Dale and her dog Teddy (with the multi-colored eyes) made their daily trip up. I had pleasant conversations with quite a few people about our work here.
Weather: Dark stratus clouds most of the day, with little light on the landscape. Sun breaks from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm, and then almost full sunshine at 2:00 pm. W to WSW winds at 8-12 mph with 14-16 mph gusts in the late morning, with a midday lull at the same time as the sun breaks. Moderate humidity, with good visibility to the north and east, hazier to the west.
Raptor Observations: Only 1 migrating raptor today, a TV. A few local birds popped up sporadically.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date in previous years: In 2023, the 3rd largest Golden Eagle count (2, tied with 5 other dates) in Wachusett Mt history. Eric Mueller wrote from Bill Rasku�s notes: "A light day for raptors (12), but Bill was rewarded with two Golden Eagles (an adult and an immature) that flew at or below the horizon line. Otherwise, a mix of Bald Eagles, Red-shoulders and Red-tails." "The biggest day this season for migrating Canada Geese in 21 different groups (466 total). Also our first Eider of some type - the first in quite a while here. Paul saw his first Pine Siskins of the season down at the base of the mountain, flocking with goldfinches and chickadees." "Compiler: Bill Rasku, Other observer: Paul Vanderhoof"
Non-raptor Observations: Our little buddies the Snow Buntings (5 of them today) foraged around the summit on and off all session, and took baths in a pool of water left in the summit rock by the recent rains. Others: Canada Goose-28 (1 skein), Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-3, DE Junco-2.
Predictions: Wednesday has good potential for both bird movement and for reasonably pleasant viewing conditions. 6-8 mph non-gusty winds from the WNW, partly cloudy skies, moderate humidity and temps from the high 40's to low 50's. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
