Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Bridget Watts, Jeremy Pete, Kent Millham, Kim Steininger, Linda Birkel, Mike Tetlow, Roger Clark, Susan Roberts, Vid Killius
Visitors: 30, including Hudson Mohawk Bird Club field trip
Weather: Rain delayed the start of the count. Mostly cloudy with winds shifting around throughout the day. Initially winds were easterly then shifted around to southwest. At 1:45pm EST the lake breeze kicked in for about an hour before a strong westerly wind overpowered it to end the day.
Raptor Observations: The flight was a bit slow for the first few hours despite decent conditions, but really started to pick up in the afternoon. A good mix of Turkey Vultures, Broad-winged Hawks, along with smaller numbers of other expected migrants. The flight line was mostly high and towards the lake but we had some groups directly overhead, especially right after the lake breeze kicked in. Slower for the last few hours.
Just under 500 vultures for the day. A few dozen harriers. For Accipiters we had 81 sharpies and 4 Coops. For Buteos we had 5 red-shoulders, 39 red-tails, and the first kettles of broad-wings of the season with 191 total. The only falcons were 4 kestrels.
New species for season: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Vesper Sparrow
Predictions: TOMORROW: Intervals of clouds and sun. High 59F. Winds WNW at 10-15mph. Expect moderate migration.
TUESDAY: Sunny. High 58F. Winds NW at 5-10mph. Expect light to moderate migration, but tough spotting with the blue skies.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with occasional afternoon rain. High 51F. Winds ENE at 10-20mph. Expect light migration. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
