Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 20, mostly mothers with young children and retirees.
Weather: No wonder there is so little data on spring hawk migration - it's impossible to string 2 fair days together back-to-back. But today was one such fair day, a NE wind is not favorable since they are flying in that direction but winds were light all day, even turning SE by 4:00. Skies were partly cloudy to start, with lots of sun by 1:00 raising temperatures from 50 to low 60's F.
Raptor Observations: A good flight today. Keith & Fox says spring counts over 40 Broad-wings are rare. We are at or near the peak day. Hawks came in low at first but by 10:30 they were catching thermals and flying high. Many Broad-wings were present that were not counted as migrants. They sometimes turn around southbound or drop down low into the woods. They have to get by me going north to be counted. Also plenty of TVs, 2 Ospreys, a Bald Eagle, and some Red-tails.
Non-raptor Observations: Some new spring arrivals like Black-throated Blue Warbler, Ovenbird ( 1 seen feet from the trail on the way down), and Common Yellowthroat. 3 different Barred Owls called. A flock of 15 Red Crossbills visited nearby white pines. One Snowshoe Hare on the way up, first dragonfly.
Predictions: Conditions similar to today but with E winds instead of NE, this should bode well for a good hawk flight. Look for new spring arrivals tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
