Wind (current)

September 8th - A Fantastic Day!!!

First off, I'd like to thank Murray for organizing and bringing his annual Nature Lovers 'Meetup' group down to visit us at the Watch this weekend.  Originally planned for Saturday, Murray had to work around some inclement weather and reschedule the outing for today.  I don't think anyone was disappointed.  The flight was a little higher than we had hoped for but the views were spectacular.  The sightings of thirteen Bald Eagles didn't hurt matters, especially when the first four eagles flew overhead together.  It was great to see so many new folks out on such a beautiful day enjoying the park, the people, and the birds, of course.  I hope you will all return again someday soon.

Also, I'd like to thank everyone for all their hard work in finding the birds way up there in the blue and against the few clouds that we did have.  It's very much appreciated.  We wouldn't have half the numbers we do already this year if it wasn't for your dedication.

Here's the end result for...

Today:
Osprey - 6
Bald Eagle - 13
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 81
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Broad-winged Hawk - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 10
American Kestrel - 8
Merlin - 2
Peregrine Falcon - 1
Total - 126

To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 17
Osprey - 53
Bald Eagle - 39
Northern Harrier - 10
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 406
Cooper's Hawk - 6
Northern Goshawk - 0
Red-shouldered Hawk - 0
Broad-winged Hawk - 56
Red-tailed Hawk - 37
Rough-legged Hawk - 0
Golden Eagle - 0
American Kestrel - 81
Merlin - 12
Peregrine Falcon - 4
Total - 721

Eagle Time (EDT):
11:15 AM - BE adult
11:15 AM - BE immature (non-adult)
11:15 AM - BE immature (non-adult)
11:15 AM - BE immature (non-adult)
11:44 AM - BE adult
12:15 PM - BE immature (non-adult)
12:15 PM - BE immature (non-adult)
12:28 PM - BE immature (non-adult)
12:32 PM - BE unknown
12:35 PM - BE immature (non-adult)
12:44 PM - BE immature (non-adult)
12:58 PM - BE adult
01:27 PM - BE adult

Here are a couple of photos courtesy of Mike Poissant...

Red-tailed Hawk

American Kestrel

Bald Eagle (immature) 

In non-raptor news, we had 5 Loon sightings today as well as a White-tailed Deer in the middle of the park early in the morning.  Also of interest, a Hummingbird was seen chasing and attacking the 2nd Sharp-shinned Hawk of the day.  This is not the first time that I've seen that behaviour.  Monarch migration appears to be ramping up with 26 sightings today.  And to top it off, our 6th Giant Swallowtail butterfly of the season was seen and photographed late in the afternoon.

Too many wonderful people to list here so I'll just say thank you once again for all your help and friendship.

Migration should be slower tomorrow with predicted SW 10 km/h wind but, who knows.

Walter

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