Observation start time: 13:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: Bob Secatore
Observers: Mark Schoene Visitors: None
Weather: At the start of the watch, modest SW wind and sunny with only 20% cloud cover and 20 K visibility. But after the first hour, a very large, ominous cloud started moving in from the northwest and soon brought a sudden and steady rain which effectively ended the watch.
Raptor Observations: Six (6) migrant raptors were counted--four (4) SS and two (2) ML. both Merlins came in low and fast and passed overhead providing excellent views as they flew by.
Raptors that failed to migrate: several local OS including one that meandered around south of the platform carrying a White Perch for at least 25 minutes without landing to eat it or bring it to a nest. No AKs, NHs or BEs were seen today.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 Horned Grebes and 22 Long-tailed Ducks off the beach. Tree Swallows and Grackles still coming through in numbers.
Predictions: Sunny but cool at the start with favorable (NW & NNW) winds rather weak (6 to 7 mph) before turning to the E and SE by noon (EST). ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Secatore (<rs8843829...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
