Date: 3/18/23 4:46 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 18th, 2023
Good evening Bird Club,
The Golden Eagle saga continues with another slow day. Despite the low numbers, the observations are still fascinating. Of our 3 GEs, 2 took to the ridges, using the updrafts to soar extraordinarily high into the sky. Of these 2, 1 GE crossed the ridge from the south side to the north side then left the ridge entirely and headed straight north. It is the first time we have seen this type of flight path this season. Additionally, this flight path is a testament to the ability of GEs to find lift in a variety of scenarios. Today's W wind was not ideal, hitting the ridge at an oblique angle, but the shrewd GEs had no problem finding the updrafts in the landscape and getting a free ride.
Thanks to Don Pote and Kathy & Dave Bechdel for coming out on a chilly day to support the watch efforts. I would, again, like to highlight the superb spotting by my mom Kathy who was able to spot a distant unknown bird gliding over Stone Valley. This bird was too far away to identify even with a spotting scope. Way to go mom!
Tomorrow's forecast will be similar to today's but colder and windier. Once again, if you are cold tolerant and patient, you will probably be able to see a GE. Otherwise, Wednesday is forecasted to bring a S wind (albeit light) and may be productive for migrants.
See you at the watch!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Mar 18, 2023SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture11825Osprey000Bald Eagle42830Northern Harrier022Sharp-shinned Hawk057Cooper's Hawk034Northern Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk02328Broad-winged Hawk000Red-tailed Hawk45661Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle37988American Kestrel055Merlin011Peregrine Falcon022Unknown Accipiter011Unknown Buteo033Unknown Falcon011Unknown Eagle033Unknown Raptor122Total:13232263Observation start time:09:00:00Observation end time:17:00:00Total observation time:8 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Don Pote, Kathy Bechdel, Nick BolgianoVisitors:Don Pote, Kathy and Dave BechdelWeather:Partly cloudy all day with W wind tapering off in the afternoon. Wind appeared to be lighter than in the adjacent valley.Raptor Observations:Golden Eagles: Unknown - 9:55, Ad - 14:00, Unknown - 14:35 Non-migratory/residents: Turkey Vulture - 20, Bald Eagle - 4, Red-tailed Hawk - 4, Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2Non-raptor Observations:Downy Woodpecker - 1, American Crow - 7, Common Raven - 4, Eastern Bluebird - 1, Snow Goose - 7Predictions:Uncertain*
