Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Alan Bloom, Bob Brown, Bobby Brown, Carol Ralph, Deb Brown, Greg Sanda, Janet Brooks, Joe Swertinski, Kim Steininger, Mike Tetlow, Neil Reilly, Robert Buckert, Scott Brooks, Vid Killius
Visitors: 50+ visitors to the platform, 200+ in the park for the eclipse.
Weather: A bit of morning sunshine then becoming overcast. Winds were light from the northeast.
There was a total solar eclipse around 2:20pm EST (3:20pm clock time) with the partial eclipse about an hour on either side of that time. Unfortunately we were unable to see the sun during the eclipse, but it got unbelievably dark. There was a small clear sliver on the north horizon that illuminated the undersides of the clouds overhead during totality.
Raptor Observations: A moderate flight in the morning with Turkey Vultures and Red-tails passing low overhead. Once it clouded over there continued to be a sharpie flight for a bit before slowing down most of the afternoon. One distant Rough-legged Hawk. A Peregrine Falcon was seen against the illuminated horizon over the lake just as totality hit! A Short-eared Owl was seen hunting the marsh before the eclipse then seen flying after the eclipse then it perched in the eagle tree for several minutes allowing nice scope views. Not much activity after the eclipse.
Prior to totality several Bald Eagles were seen flying in to roost in the trees across the bay.
During totality a Swamp Sparrow started singing. A flock of Double-crested Cormorants flew over and some Great Blue Herons were seen moving around. After totality some flocks of blackbirds and Tree Swallows were moving.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. High 69F. Winds S shifting NE at 5-10mph. Good conditions in the morning but a lake breeze may shut down the flight in the afternoon. Expect moderate migration.
WEDNESDAY: Morning showers then some clearing. High 57F. Winds WNW at 5-10mph. Decent conditions once it clears up. Expect moderate migration.
THURSDAY: Rain. High 64F. Winds SE at 15-25mph. Chance of rain 90%. A good wind but rain may prevent a flight. A day to keep an eye on in case they take the rain out of the forecast. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
