Date: 4/25/24 6:52 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 25th, 2024
Good Evening Y'all,
Although the forecast didn't look promising, we still had a decent flight with 63 Broad-wingeds moving steady throughout the day. The BWs did not seem to settle into any particular flight path, but were mostly spotted along the ridgetop and out to the N side of the ridge. In the final 15 minutes, a Peregrine Falcon (a raptor we only see about 4 times a season) was spotted behind the tower. Knowing how much Broad-wingeds can be confused with Peregrines due to their pointed wings, I initially discredited it as a BW. However, as it glided closer there was no doubt what it was. Unlike the other 8 sightings in the previous 2 years, this Peregrine took the time to give me a show, circling for about a minute overhead in the powercut before moving along. During that time, it dropped its talons, grabbed at the air as if it was playing with an imaginary prey item, and pulled at its feathers as if midair preening. I've observed this at the Grand Canyon, but never in PA.
Another special thanks to my parents who supported me yet again. And, thanks to all who've supported our watch throughout the season.
Tomorrow will be the last watch day and hopefully a nice cap to the season. The SE winds could bring big numbers of Broad-wingeds. Today's steady flight indicated that the pipeline is still full of BWs.
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
*------------------------------Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Apr 25, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture0123194Osprey44855Bald Eagle23367Northern Harrier01819Sharp-shinned Hawk5149199Cooper's Hawk01228American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk0535Broad-winged Hawk6313711371Red-tailed Hawk095209Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle015164American Kestrel02237Merlin034Peregrine Falcon114Unknown Accipiter015Unknown Buteo002Unknown Falcon012Unknown Eagle001Unknown Raptor025Total:7518992401Observation start time:08:30:00Observation end time:16:30:00Total observation time:8 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Kathy Bechdel, Nick BolgianoVisitors:Kathy & Dave BechdelWeather:In the morning, partly cloudy, mild, and light to moderate NE wind. In the afternoon, mostly full sun, warmer, and light to moderate ENE wind. Wind Speed: 2-8mph. Temperature: 5-14 Celsius.Raptor Observations:No Golden Eagles. Today's flight was a slow but steady trickle of BWs. There seemed to be no established flight path. Almost all BWs followed the ridge top or parallel to the N side, but they were seen at a variety of distances and heights. Non-migratory raptors: 1 Black Vulture, 5 Turkey Vulture, 2 Bald Eagle, 2 Red-tailed HawkNon-raptor Observations:Notable Birds: 10 Dbl Crested Cormorants, 5 Common Loons, FOY OvenbirdPredictions:Uncertain; Tomorrow will likely be the final day of the watch. With SE winds forecasted, it could be an excellent day to see big kettles of BWs and other migrants.*
