Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Carter Chambers, Dede Johnston, Frank Rohrbacher, Joe Swertinski, Kent Raymond, Kim Steininger, Lana Glass, Maddie Martin, Wendy Cesario
Visitors: 25
Weather: Overcast except for a brief period with some blue sky in the midday. Moderate northwest winds. Cool with a high of 46F.
Raptor Observations: A light but steady flight. The cloudy skies helped with spotting but the thick overcast kept the flight slow at times.
The highlight was an immature GOLDEN EAGLE that soared up in the distance behind the saddles, crossed in front, and glided high overhead slightly to our right at 10:30am. Seen by many observers who hadn't had one yet this season!
Fewer vultures than other recent days with only 41 Turkey Vultures. Good Bald Eagle activity with 11 migrating. Eight harriers including quite a few adult males. A few sharpies and Coops. Moderate Buteo totals with 19 red-shoulders and 8 red-tails. The wintering Merlin was sitting in a distant tree at the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: 300 Canada Geese, American Woodcock, RED-THROATED LOON, 20 Common Loons, Great Blue Heron, Fish Crow, 2 Common Ravens, 15 Purple Finches, 2 Pine Siskins, 2,500+ Common Grackles, no monarchs. https://ebird.org/checklist/S410539217
New species for season: Red-throated Loon
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy becoming overcast in the afternoon. High 51F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Overall good conditions. Great winds again. Morning sunshine will help get the raptors up, but the increasing clouds may slow things down in the afternoon. Expect moderate to good migration.
MONDAY: Some morning clouds then mainly sunny. High 54F. Winds NW at 10-15mph. Good winds again. Spotting may be difficult when there aren't many clouds. Expect moderate to good migration.
TUESDAY: Sunny. High around 55F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect moderate migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Ashland Nature Center information may be found at: www.delnature.org
