Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carol Spease, Dan Noznisky, Frank Rohrbacher, Jim Lewis, Joe Sebastiani, Josh Berman, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin, Sheryl Johnson
Visitors: 15, including Josh B., a former counter at Smith Point in Texas
Weather: Sunny becoming partly cloudy for the afternoon. Calm winds for the morning became a light to moderate south breeze. High 65F. Pleasant day, but a bit chilly when the sun was behind clouds.
Raptor Observations: The calm winds meant that it took until around 10am before raptors started flying. After that better activity than expected. A steady vulture flight. Good Bald Eagle flight with 14 migrating. Five harriers including three adult males. A few sharpies and Coops. Eight red-shoulders and 12 red-tails. One hunting Merlin.
Non-raptor Observations: 11 Common Loons, 15 Double-crested Cormorants, Fish Crow, 2 Common Ravens, 5 Purple Finches, Pine Siskin, 10 Rusty Blackbirds, 1,200 Common Grackles, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S409834169
Predictions: TOMORROW: Morning thunderstorms followed by occasional showers. Gusty winds and small hail possible. High 59F. Winds shifting from E to NW at 5-10mph. Count will likely be shortened or cancelled.
FRIDAY: Morning showers then cloudy. High 44F. Winds NNW at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 50%. Good winds but gloomy conditions may hold back the flight. Expect light migration unless the forecast improves.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy becoming overcast. High 48F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Great winds. Expect moderate to good migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
