Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Bob Secatore
Observers: Harry Wales, Herrrick Wales, John Cannizzo, Ken Mirmam, Levi Burford, Mark Schoene
Visitors: Andrea Cannizzo, Nancy Mirman, Margo Goetschkes, Steve Grinley, Gino Ellison and Yiyang Xu.
Weather: We were anticipating stronger and less fickle winds today but had to settle for rather weak and variable ones which, at the start of the 2 o'clock hour, were dead still. Fairly heavy cloud cover did make spotting birds somewhat easier.
Raptor Observations: A total of 11 migrant raptors passed through today including 2 Peregrines and 5 Merlins. Expected but absent from the count were both Sharp-shins and Kestrels.
Raptors that failed to migrate: several Osprey including local nesters, 3 Turkey Vultures, a couple of NH.
Non-raptor Observations: Other birds: Our nesting House Finch pair, 10 Cedar Waxwings, 6 Horned Grebes, 3 Great Egrets, 2 Ravens, 2 Fish Crows, 2 Common Loons, 12 Long-tailed Ducks, 1 Great Blue Heron and at least one very vociferous Mockingbird.
Predictions: The forecast calls for moderate velocity winds (8 to 14 mph) out of the WNW, W and WSW. This would definitely be favorable conditions for another good flight, especially for Sharp-shins and Kestrels. Sunny early on but turning cloudy in the late morning and early afternoon with temps in the high 40s to high 50s. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
