Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: David Brown
Observers: Brad Carlson, Bridget Watts, Daena Ford, Kim Steininger, Lorenzo C., Mike Tetlow, Pat Martin, Roger Clark
Visitors: 14
Weather: A few morning clouds then mostly sunny. Moderate westerly winds shifting northwest after a few hours. Quite warm in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A huge flight picked up at 7am EST, primarily Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagles, and Sharp-shinned Hawks. The big flight lasted a few hours then the migration was slow and steady for the rest of the day.
In total we had over 1,900 Turkey Vultures. This was the first day of the season with over a hundred Bald Eagles. Nearly ninety sharpies. Surprisingly few broad-wings with only 58. Two Rough-legged Hawks that were both light morphs. Three immature Golden Eagles.
The continuing SWAINSON'S HAWK made a brief appearance soaring high overhead around 1pm EST, before it glided back to the west.
Predictions: TOMORROW: Partly cloudy then cloudy. High 66F. Winds E shifting NE at 10-15mph. Hard to predict. Sometimes we do alright on easterly winds. They tend to keep the migrants low and slow. As the winds shift more northeast they will become less favorable. Conditions looks better for the morning than for the afternoon.
SATURDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds SE at 10-15mph. Chance of rain 60%. Good winds but gloomy conditions and rain may hold back the flight. Will keep an eye on.
SUNDAY: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 66F. Winds S at 10-15mph. Good winds but gloomy conditions and rain may hold back the flight. Will keep an eye on. ======================================================================== Report submitted by David Brown (<davidebrownpa...>) Braddock Bay information may be found at: http://www.bbrr.org/
