Daily Reports for Spring 2016

Daily charts and field notes for the 2016 Hawk-count season as submitted by Dave Wheeler.

Click here for current radar for eastern Lake Ontario

Click here for current weather report for Mexico, New York

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Observation start time:9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Sincerest thanks to those who helped this season around the watch site. 

Weather: Sunny, W wind, warm. 

Raptor Observations: To usher out the official season with a bang (of sorts), please see:https://www.flickr.com/photos/…
for a truly unusual series showing the size extreme of Bald Eagles, which
are clinal in size (northern-nesting birds larger than southern-nesting
ones). The top bird is a “southern” or “Florida” adult, the bottom one a
“northern” subadult (-1 or -2). The southern bird has completed nesting and is wandering north for the summer; the subadult northern bird is wandering wherever it chooses or the wind takes it. The birds engaged each other and were only a few feet apart in the pictures but were likely not traveling together. References indicate that northern males are larger than even southern females. Watch my Flickr page in the coming weeks/months for new pictures.

Predictions: Thursday: an honest SSE-SSW wind, partly sunny to mostly cloudy ahead of a cold front coming Thursday night. Is there a supply of birds to give a big flight? Will it remain a proper wind as the forecast develops? Is the count going to the post-season?

 

Monday, May 30, 2016

Observation start time:12:00 p.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Sunny, W wind.

Raptor Observations: A few high birds.

Predictions: Tuesday: W or WNW wind (most of the days recently with this prediction have had very little if any noticeable N in the wind). Sunny. Should be some high-flying Bald Eagles. Last day of the official count period. Wednesday: light wind, sun, probably some hawks. Thursday: first convincing SSE wind in a while. Should be hawks, possibly even a good flight. Just because the official survey period is over doesn’t mean the hawk flights are.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Observation start time:9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 1:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Sunny, hot, W wind to light and variable and back again.

Raptor Observations: It seemed the season would end with a bang given several big days ofimmature Broad-wings. Unfortunately for this counter, the season is ending with a whimper or at least a hurl as I acquired a flu-bug of some sort that has now hung on for three days. I was lucky enough not to get sick last season and most of this season, but this was not the ending I’d hoped for.

Predictions: Monday-Tuesday: cold front passes Monday early in day, WNW winds to follow. Not a good forecast. Given unfavorable weather and counter “under the weather”, “no count conducted” seems a possibility for the final two days of the official count period. Good flights will be possible on S winds in June.

Saturday, May 28, 2016 

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Visitors: Six

Weather: Hot and sunny. Light early SE wind gave in to the lake breeze but even that remained light.

Raptor Observations: Broad-wings, Bald Eagles and a rather late Red-shoulder. The flight died at 12:30 (EST).

Predictions: More of the same – hot with light WNW-NW winds.

Report submitted by Bill Purcell

Friday, May 27, 2016

Observation start time:8:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Observers: Judy Thurber
Visitors: Judy Thurber

Weather: Light SW wind gave way to a light lake breeze which seemed to keep the flight near the south lookout. Afternoon thunderstorm slicing from NW to SE in front of us shut down the flight

Raptor Observations: Nice Broad-winged Hawk numbers again, especially from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. (EDT).

Non-raptor Observations: Many singing Blackpolls at north lookout plus Tennessee Warbler and female Cape May Warbler.

Predictions: Light NW wind should keep the birds moving, should be more Broad-wings and Bald Eagles. 

Report submitted by Bill Purcell

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Hot, light S wind becoming light and variable. Mostly sunny to cloudy and back to mostly sunny.

Raptor Observations: Good movement of immature Broad-wings and Bald Eagles of various ages, most presumably “Florida” adults and a mixture of immatures. Light Swainson’s Hawk was the highlight. Cropped and uncropped photos of the bird are here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/…

Non-raptor Observations: Good for birds of all kinds. Decent morning flight included Scarlet Tanagers and Blackpoll Warblers, about 2000 Blue Jays, a Red-headed Woodpecker, and plenty of Cedar Waxwings. Kevin McGann found an Olive-sided Flycatcher near the south lookout. Wayne Fidler counted an amazing 430 Common Nighthawks between ~5:00-8:00 p.m.

Predictions: Friday: a nice SSE wind is predicted for overnight and into the morning with variable winds likely after that. Partly sunny. Should be birds. Saturday: light S wind early then W or WNW. Should be a few birds. Sunday-Monday: partly cloudy and S wind likely becoming variable. Should be a few birds.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Observation start time:8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 5:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Mostly sunny to full overcast, then back to full sun at the end of the day. Warm. Light and variable wind but mostly S or WSW. Lake breeze never a factor but it was often very calm also.

 Raptor Observations: Big flight today at Braddock Bay never reached us. No wind driving it and raptors probably not moving more than 10-15 miles in an hour. Braddock also saw a 1st summer Mississippi Kite and both light and dark Swainson’s Hawks. These will be possible for Derby in the next several days.

Non-raptor Observations: Plenty of songbirds around.

Predictions: Thursday: All hands on deck!!! Light SSE and mostly sunny becoming S or SW and mostly cloudy. Warm to hot. Hopefully the lake breeze will never rear up or if it does will induce local calm or W wind. We should be getting the wave of birds that passed by Braddock Bay on Wednesday. Expecting new songbirds too. Friday: light S wind and partly sunny becoming W. We’ll know more after Thursday. Saturday: NW wind and partly sunny. Sunday-Monday: SE to SSW wind and partly sunny. Could be good.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 1:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Phil Taylor
Visitors: Thanks to Phil Taylor for covering today’s count.

Weather: W wind, warm, full sun. 

Non-raptor Observations: Many Blackpoll Warblers around plus two Nighthawks in the evening.

Predictions: Wednesday: light S wind overnight, W and partly to mostly cloudy. Thursday-Saturday: light S wind, partly to mostly cloudy. On the one hand, clouds prevent the Lake breeze from taking over. On the other hand, we haven’t been getting anything (regardless of wind) unless the sun is out. Monday may feature a decent S wind.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Observation start time:7:15 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell 

Visitors: Margaret Napoleon, Al and granddaughter Lorelei, Judy Wright, Pete Davidson.

Weather: Just another day with north winds coming off Lake Ontario and that sums up the whole season. The clear blue sky was an added bonus.

Raptor Observations: Whatever flight there may have been was quickly pushed well to the south by the wind. Local birds included Osprey carrying fish and sticks to the nest, Cooper’s Hawk in display flight and Merlin ripping past terrorizing the blackbirds and swallows.

Non-raptor Observations: Lots of Tennessee and Blackpoll Warblers singing at the North Lookout, 1 Mourning Warbler, 4 Great Crested Flycatchers. 

Predictions: You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows around here – it will be north again.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

 Observation start time:10:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: Sunny, N wind.

Raptor Observations: Another small burst of immature hawks. Seems at this point sun is more important than wind direction.

Predictions: Monday-Tuesday: more NW wind, sun, warm. Should be birds. Wednesday-on: warmer, hot even, varying sun. Should be some hawks.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Birdathon 

Weather: Muted sun, warm, light S wind to almost calm.

Raptor Observations: Seemingly favorable conditions but no birds.

Non-raptor Observations: Five Green Herons; Clay-colored Sparrow. 

Predictions: Sunday-Monday: some sort of NW wind. At this point I have no idea when we’ll get raptors, but the immatures are due.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Sunny, S wind early then unexpectedly quick switch to N.

 Raptor Observations: Given N wind, not a bad flight I guess.

Non-raptor Observations: Main highlight of the day was a Nighthawk at high noon (11am bird-time). Most mid-May passerine migrants are still not here in expected numbers. 

Predictions: Saturday: some sort of light S wind and mostly cloudy. Overcast could help hold off the lake breeze. Should be birds. Could be good for non-raptors in the morning. Sunday-Monday: light winds overnight but likely NW-N during the day. Maybe a few hawks.

 

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 1:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Phil Taylor 

Weather: Sunny, WNW wind, cool due to breeze off lake.

Raptor Observations: Most raptors are immatures except a few “Florida” adult Bald Eagles. Mississippi Kite reported from Port Colborne, Ontario. This is north shore of Lake Erie about 20 miles west of Buffalo. Could make it to Derby Hill eventually. We’re at prime time for some raptor rarities, mainly Mississippi Kite and Swainson’s Hawk.

Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Warbler at North Lookout was the highlight from morning. 

Predictions: Friday- Saturday: S wind overnight both days and into morning hours. Sunny, lake breeze may take over during the day, turning wind into WNW, but otherwise wind direction could remain SW or WSW. Should be immature hawks and probably good songbird action in the morning. Sunday-Monday: N wind, not promising at all. Tuesday-Wednesday: looking better.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Phil Taylor 

Weather: N wind, sun, cool for the date (especially in the morning).

Non-raptor Observations: On Tuesday night Wayne Fidler discovered that an American Bittern was calling in plain sight in Sage Creek Marsh. This is a difficult-to-see bird and high water levels due to a rocky wind-blown deposit at the outlet of Sage Creek has made activity in the marsh unusually visible. A video of thebird is at the link below. Sound is not the best, but note the bill tapping and air gulping that precedes the bird’s hiccuping call. Distance was about 100 yds so there is some lag in the sound. When not calling the bird was seen preening, fishing, walking around on it’s long toes, and pointing it’s bill up and swaying like the reedy vegetation in which the bird is very cryptic. https://www.flickr.com/photos/krankykestrel/ 

Predictions: Thursday: like Wednesday, N wind, sunny, but few birds expected. Friday: light W wind could produce a somewhat better flight. Saturday: more light W wind is promising. Hopefully it will bring raptors. All the overnights look perfectly good for songbird movement, but which one will they pick. Sunday: N wind. Back to “yuk”.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: WNW wind, cool, mostly sunny.

Raptor Observations: Not much excitement really. First transition day toward better weather. Photos here of an inquisitive, close Harrier. https://www.flickr.com/photos/krankykestrel/ 

Non-raptor Observations: Cliff Swallow went by the South Lookout. Chipping Sparrow continues to sing “dawn song” that is reminiscent of Clay-colored. I put up some migrating songbird photos – the usual “morning flight” specialties (Baltimore Oriole, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, American Redstart, Scarlet Tanager, etc) plus my first-ever-in-morning-flight Hooded Warbler. https://www.flickr.com/photos/krankykestrel/

Predictions: Wednesday: NW wind, mostly sunny. Expect similar number to today. Calm overnight could be good for songbirds. Thursday: WNW wind, mostly sunny. Probably another one like today. Friday-Saturday: variations on light W or WNW wind, mostly sunny. Both days could be good if the supply of immature hawks is cooperative. Sunday: N wind. Yuk.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

No count conducted today

Weather Strong WNW wind, overcast and rain. 

Raptor Observations: At this point in the season, unfavorable conditions won’t be producing any countable birds. Immature hawks are riding the wind with no particular destination in mind – if it blows toward the count site we may see them, if not, we won’t. 

Predictions: Monday: strong WNW wind, partly sunny. Likely no birds and no count. Tuesday – Thursday: light to moderate NW wind, partial sun. Improving transition days but not expecting hawks. Some of the overnights will be calm and thus songbirds may migrate. Friday: current forecast implies a return to favorable hawk-flight weather.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Visitors: Today was Onondaga Audubon’s 5th annual Birdfest, which I enjoyed from “count headquarters” amidst all the excitement. Weather was mostly good and could have been much worse. Many birds around to look at, even some low hawks, and a great time was had by all. Thanks to all our volunteers and everyone who contributed to this event. I’m impressed every year with how quickly it all comes together, and then like the hawks that leave no trace of their passage behind, the festival team returns the hilltop back to its natural state.

Weather: SE wind, gusty at times, with partial sun early then mostly cloudy. Occasional light showers in the afternoon preceding passage of a cold front.

Raptor Observations: Several modest pre-frontal bursts. Virtually all raptors seen well enough to age were immatures, as would be expected in mid-May. Broad-wings very “ratty” looking with molt and feather wear.

Non-raptor Observations: ~2500 Blue Jays migrating, plus decent number of songbirds in the hedgerows.

Predictions: Sunday: strong W wind, cold, overcast, and rain likely. This is not a good forecast for hawk migration. Monday: strong WNW wind, partly sunny, not as cold. Not expecting birds. Tuesday: light WNW wind, partly sunny, warmer. First transition day to better weather. Songbird migration should be back on by mid-week. Wednesday: good overnight conditions, light N during the day. Not many hawks likely but forecasts can change.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Observation start time:10:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Visitors: Birdfest! Please use third field lot or shuttle from Sage Creek Rd. No parking atop Derby Hill.

Weather: S wind and rain, heavy at times, through noon. Rapid partial clearing to NW and mostly sunny. 

Raptor Observations: Small burst of birds when the clearing began but a trickle thereafter. 

Non-raptor Observations: As expected, there was a big influx of songbirds. Became most evident when the rain stopped and the whole gang began singing at once.

Predictions: Saturday: Birdfest!!! Warm SE wind and nice weather for the morning hours. A cold front approaching from the west won’t pass until early evening but has rain out ahead of it. Should be many songbirds around and I’m expecting a flight of hawks ahead of the front. Come if you can! Sunday: cold, overcast, strong W wind. Not expecting any birds. Monday-Tuesday: cold W wind, partly sunny. Not very promising.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Observation start time:6:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 5:15 p.m.
Total observation time: 11.25 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Visitors: Saturday is Onondaga Audubon’s 5th annual Birdfest. No parking atop the hill; use third field lot or park below and take shuttle van up.

Weather: Hot, SE wind fighting with lake breeze in early afternoon but SE winning. Sunny.

Raptor Observations: Adult raptors are mostly done and the earliest of the immatures are arriving. Two more Peregrines were added to the count. Disappointing total number given favorable conditions but flight picked up somewhat in the final hour. Could be a good omen for Friday if the rain holds off.

 Non-raptor Observations: Modest morning flight of Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Kingbirds, and Redstarts. 2000 Blue Jays throughout the day. Lots of good warblers in the hedgerows including Golden-winged and Prairie. Burst of Common Yellowthroats.

 Predictions: Friday: SE wind overnight with rain arriving. Overcast Friday, not quite as warm, rain probable. Could be huge in the morning for songbirds. Wind shift to W in afternoon. Rain free periods might have a few hawks. Saturday: Birdfest! SE wind, rain possible, overcast but still mild. Could be a lot of warblers around and maybe some hawks. Sunday-Monday: cool, strong W wind, mostly cloudy. Doesn’t seem too promising.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 1:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell

Weather: Light SE wind for about 90 minutes before the lake breeze took over. Too much blue sky but the birds stayed low.

 Raptor Observations: Local Osprey carrying fish to nest, local Cooper’s Hawk display flight. Given the generally lackluster flight I left early to see the Hudsonian Godwit at Montezuma NWR.

Predictions: SE winds tomorrow – that’s our best wind (and rare this season).

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Observation start time:8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Observers: Peter Davidson, Phil Taylor

Weather: The north winds continue. At least there were sufficient clouds to find the Broadwings coming past in onesies and twosies.

Raptor Observations: Not a great flight but I’ve seen much worse.  

Non-raptor Observations: Sandhill Crane.

Predictions: Light north winds again on Wednesday, southeast on Thursday looking like a reality.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Observation start time:9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: WNW or NW wind, sunny, cool. Second day after the cold front passage.

 Raptor Observations: We’ve reached that part of the program where immatures are the bulk of the flight. These birds aren’t trying to go anywhere and are just riding the wind. Hence wind blowing toward Derby Hill = birds and wind not = very few birds. Today was the latter.

 Non-raptor Observations: No morning flight to speak of. A few new arrivals were noted at Sunset Bay Park.

Predictions: Tuesday-Wednesday: calm overnights, then NW wind and sun. Not expecting many hawks but both days look fine for warblers, etc. Thursday: SSE wind and warmer. Should be good for warblers and hawks. Friday: major potential for warbler fallout.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 1:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: NW wind, sunny, cool after passage of cold front over night. 

Raptor Observations: Low Golden Eagle. 

Non-raptor Observations: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

Predictions: Monday-Tuesday: WNW and NW wind, sunny. Not promising. Wednesday: light and variable. Better forecast. Thursday: S wind, could be good.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Many helped spot high-flying specks.

Weather: SE wind and partly sunny. No Lake breeze until late in the day. Warm.

Raptor Observations: Good flight of Sharp-shins, Bald Eagles, Osprey, plus two Golden Eagles and two Peregrines. Very high flight, much of it over the Lake, so some/many birds were likely missed.

Non-raptor Observations: Golden-winged Warbler and Black-throated Blue were first of the count. No morning flight to speak of and no big numbers.

Predictions: Sunday: NW wind, much cooler, partly sunny skies. Should be a few birds but not great conditions. Could be good in the morning for songbirds with S and rain possible overnight. Monday: Cool, clear, WNW or W wind. Should be a few birds. Tuesday-Wednesday: N wind, sunny, warmer. Should be a few birds.

Friday, May 6, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: OK to drive up to the North Lookout

Weather: NNE wind and mostly sunny becoming cloudy. Rain started about 3:45

 Raptor Observations: Nice flight of low Sharp-shins plus two Peregrines (adults, likely Tundrius ssp). Adult and juvenile “Florida” Bald Eagles.

 Non-raptor Observations: Low-intensity flight of Blue Jays, Goldfinches, and Swallows all day. Tennessee Warbler singing.

 Predictions: Saturday: SE wind and partly sunny. All hands on deck! Could be good to great to huge depending on the supply. Hopefully it will be mostly sunny and the lake breeze held off. Adding to the goodness, a cold front is coming. Sunday: cooler, WNW wind, some cleanup flight possible. Monday: similar to Sunday but more sun. Better.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Visitors: North Lookout will be open for drive-up parking on Saturday. Thanks to Phil Taylor for excellent spotting today including the first Red-shoulder in several weeks.

Weather: NNE to NNW wind and mostly sunny. The N wind kept a massive cloud bank just south of the south lookout for most of the day. As it crept closer birds shifted north to stay in sun.

Raptor Observations: Immature Golden Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk. Spread out flight – low-flying Sharpies and Merlins at the north lookout were missed at the south lookout. Some Broad-wing scenes from the last several days plus a Golden Eagle in the midst of it all are at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/krankykestrel/

 Non-raptor Observations: A few firsts of season including White-crowned Sparrow. Chipping Sparrow continues to sing a Clay-colored-like song. Apparently this is a previously-documented dawn song of the species and does not imply a possible hybrid. The bird sang it for several hours morning/evening without including the more familiar Chippy song.

Predictions: Friday: similar to today, NNE wind and partly sunny. Braddock Bay got a good flight today. Will it arrive for us on Friday or Saturday? Saturday: SE wind may hold the lake breeze at bay. Partly sunny. Has potential for a massive flight if the birds are still there to go. Sunday: cooler, strong W wind, clearing after chance of morning rain. Could be a cleanup flight but W wind after all this N could be okay.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: Light SE wind early, mostly cloudy, then shift to N wind and continued cloudy.

Raptor Observations: Big flight during SE wind portion, then continuing for first hour after shift to south lookout on N wind.

Non-raptor Observations: Three  Solitary Sandpipers, warblers included Black and White, Blue-winged, Nashville, Black-throated Green. For the last few days, and continuing today, a Chipping Sparrow has been singing the Clay-colored Sparrow song.

Predictions: Thursday: cloudy, NNE wind, chance of rain. Doesn’t sound promising. Friday: cloudy, rain likely, light N wind. Saturday: mostly sunny, SE wind possibly strong enough to hold off lake breeze. Could be huge if the supply is there – both for Broad-wings and immatures of other species.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Observation start time:7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 5:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: Light NNE wind gradually shifting to NW in the afternoon. Foggy until 8am EDT, then mostly sunny becoming mostly cloudy around 3 p.m.

Raptor Observations: Big flight of adult Broad-wings plus good number of Osprey and Sharp-shins. Golden Eagle and two Peregrines plus “Florida” adult Bald Eagles. The phenomenon of deep-South Bald Eagles coming north to summer as failed/post-breeders is interesting. All our other adult raptors are passing by on their way to breed. In principle these southern nesters will undertake fall migration to get back to their breeding grounds. Juvenile (this year’s hatches) “Florida” Balds will be here soon and we may have had one today. Broad-wings were still flying after 6 p.m.

Non-raptor Observations: Four Wilson’s Snipe, Marsh Wren, American Bittern, Virginia Rail.

Predictions: Wednesday: mostly cloudy, light and variable wind may mean lake breeze but some sources are showing SE wind. Rain or thunderstorms possible but given today’s flight it could be good or great depending on how the wind or rain shapes up. Thursday: mostly cloudy, light N wind. Not sure what it will be like. Friday: N wind and sun. Saturday: S wind and sunny, could be big.

Monday, May 2, 2016

Observation start time:8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell, Gerry Smith
Visitors: Zero

Weather: Rain until 1 PM EST, mostly cloudy afterwards with north winds all day.

Raptor Observations: Very little, thanks to Gerry Smith for covering the last hour.

Non-raptor Observations: Nothing.

Predictions: Partly sunny with light winds which indicates a lake breeze by late morning.

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Observation start time:11:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: SE wind, full overcast, rain in the morning. 

Raptor Observations: A few “rain” birds.

Non-raptor Observations: First for the count include: Bobolink, White-crowned Sparrow, Blue-winged Warbler, and Gray Catbird.

Predictions: Monday: overcast, E or N wind, rain likely. Bad. Tuesday: partly sunny, light N or NNW wind. Could be good. Wednesday: partly to mostly cloudy, warmer, light N wind, chance of rain. With very little but N wind showing, the sunny days will be the good ones.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: N wind, sunny for entire count, warmer.

Raptor Observations: Braddock and Hamburg had good days. Us, not so much. The flight was tending south and out of sight but our protocol doesn’t allow moving beyond the south lookout. Uncertain how many we missed or if they just aren’t here for us yet. Virtually no migration of Red-tails or TVs happening (pending immatures). Highlight was a female Merlin soaring with a male Kestrel. The two were together for a fair time by soaring-Merlin standards, the Kestrel staying above the Merlin and a little too far for what would have been an unusual photograph. The Merlin eventually passed overhead.

Non-raptor Observations: First Green Heron of the count.

Predictions: Sunday: apparently a solid SE or ESE wind, full overcast, rain likely. Rain-free periods might have some birds, at least “rain birds” like Harrier and Osprey. I will try to get the word out if a big flight develops. With rain coming overnight I do think there could be an impressive songbird fallout in the morning. Monday: morning rain, NW wind, overcast. No good! Tuesday-Wednesday: much more promising.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: NNE wind, sunny with heavy clouds rolling in about 1:00.

Raptor Observations: Main highlight was a migrating Short-eared Owl that was watched for several minutes as it moved from the southwest horizon to the southeast horizon. The bird soared, flapped, got blown about in the wind – all the things other migrating raptors do. Never passed over the lookout but was exciting to watch in the distance. Else a combination of “supply” issues and wind was conspiring for a poor flight.

Non-raptor Observations: One Sandhill Crane

Predictions: Saturday: continuation of current pattern – light E wind or ESE early becoming some sort of N, mostly sunny. If our current supply problem resolves, this is the best of the forthcoming days. Should be birds. Sunday: cold, rain, ESE wind. Bad forecast for raptors. Monday: rain, N wind, bad. Tuesday: better.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Weather: Light SE wind in early morning, then NNE and stronger than hoped for. Sunny, becoming cloudy about 2:00 p.m.

Raptor Observations: Decent flight in the morning while sun was strong but decreasing quickly after noon and then nothing. Golden Eagle was the highlight. Flight was tending more off to the south than Wednesday. Uncertain how many birds that cost us.

Non-raptor Observations: Good morning flight of songbirds – swallows (Tree and Barn), blackbirds still in good numbers, first Baltimore Oriole and four Kingbirds flying together. Lots of Yellow-rumps and Palms about. Still 6+ Tree Sparrows. Probably won’t be here for much longer. Two Sandhill Cranes on Wednesday I may have neglected to include in the report.

Predictions: Friday: E wind becoming N, partly sunny to partly cloudy. I’m not expecting much after today and since hawkwatches to our west got little on Thursday. Saturday: sunny, light E wind becoming N. Seems promising. Sunday: light SE wind becoming light NE. Overcast and chance of rain. Doesn’t seem too good unless the forecast changes or rain holds off.

Wednesday, April 26, 2016

Observation start time: 8:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Thanks to all who helped spot on this difficult blue-sky day with undulating and hard to spot flight lines.

Weather: Sunny, NNW wind, cool.

Raptor Observations: Strong Broad-wing flight developed at 10:30 and went until 4:00. Relatively low but spread out. Blue sky made spotting difficult. Also a good flight of Osprey and Bald Eagle. First burst of Cooper’s Hawks in a while; most were too far to age but likely young birds. One Golden Eagle and one Peregrine. Broad-wing with a pure white primary feather growing in.

Non-raptor Observations: Various new arrivals reported: Sora, Virginia Rail, Yellow Warbler, N. Waterthrush, Blue-headed Vireo.

 Predictions: Thursday: NNE wind and sun. Warmer. Could be a lot like today. Friday: light SE wind early then N. Promising. Saturday – Sunday: light NNE wind and sun. At this point we could be having great south lookout flights on any of these days. I will try to send updates to RBA and OneidaBirds if big flights are happening. Else be here and hope for the best.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Visitors: Zero

Weather: North winds, cold and wet.

Raptor Observations: Sealed off by the stationary front to our south for another day.

Non-raptor Observations: Very little.

 Predictions: North winds will continue but it should be dry.

Monday, April 25, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Visitors: One

Weather: Chilly, damp and overcast all day. 

Raptor Observations: Little migrating, two local Osprey carrying sticks to nest.

Non-raptor Observations: Three Vesper Sparrows still around was notable.

Predictions: Not encouraging.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Several field trips.

Weather: NNE wind becoming NNW, full sun becoming mostly overcast. Cool.

Raptor Observations: Decent start but quickly shut down when the clouds rolled in. A Peregrine Falcon was bird of the day. Thankfully today’s field trips were here in the morning when the flight was at its best.

Non-raptor Observations: Not much new to report.

Predictions: Monday: mostly cloudy, light E wind becoming NE. Should be some birds and probably the most promising of the next few. Tuesday: strong NE wind and rain. Bad. Wednesday: strong N wind and full sun. Bad. Thursday: light N wind and partly sunny. Better. No S winds currently showing in the forecast.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Please drive slowly on Sage Creek Rd and Grand View Dr. Both have many birds along the shoulder. After all they go through, being hit by a car is not how it should end for them.

Weather: Cold, strong, N wind but sunny. Eventually became NW and W late in the day.

 Raptor Observations: I was disappointed not to have raptors to show two large field trips today. Thanks to Phil Taylor for covering the count in the afternoon, I was able to show one group around Sunset Bay Park. No real migration in evidence but the local Cooper’s Hawk was seen doing airspace maintenance and a Crow diligently holding territory escorted a Red-tail out of the area.

 Non-raptor Observations: Four Vesper Sparrows were present for at least the second day at the south lookout. Sunset Bay produced a Red-breasted Nuthatch. Friday night there was an adult Black-crowned Night Heron in Sage Creek south of Kranz Rd. One of our neighbors was kind enough to stop and tell me it was there.

 Predictions: Sunday: light N wind and cold during the overnight period and into morning. Light NW wind and warmer during the day, partly sunny. We should get some hawks, could even be a good flight if the birds are close. Monday: light and variable wind during the overnight should mean songbirds in the morning. My forecast sources are in disagreement about the day. Worst case scenario is light N wind and occasional rain; best case is light SE and partial sun. Could be very interesting. Tuesday-Wednesday: variations on N wind and sun. Yes, N wind and sun.

Friday, April 22, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Light S wind and full overcast becoming W and then unexpectedly sunny in the afternoon. Warm. No rain.

Raptor Observations: A small pre-frontal flight commenced about 2:30 when the sun came out and continued until 5:00. Likely birds reported at Braddock Bay earlier in the day. 

Non-raptor Observations: Many songbirds arrived overnight. Dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers and Chipping Sparrows. Burst of Tree Sparrows, likely the last until fall. Two Great Egrets.

Predictions: Saturday: cool, N wind, mostly sunny. There will be a few birds but not favorable. Sunday: lighter N wind and warmer, mostly sunny. Probably best of the next four days. Should be birds. Monday-Tuesday: N wind and overcast. Bad. The forecasts have been letting us down lately though.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Observation start time: 7:000 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Many observers were here to see the flight fizzle. 

Weather: Warm, full sun through about 2 p.m. when clouds rolled in. Light SSE or SE wind and lake breeze never took over.

Raptor Observations: Awesome weather conditions for a massive flight….but no massive flight. This implies what hawk watchers call a “supply problem” where the birds just aren’t there even though conditions are perfect to migrate. Very disappointing and difficult to explain given the date and preceding weather. Still, a nice day with a variety of birds. Flight was mostly high and some of it was over the water (which often happens when the wind is sufficiently light).

Non-raptor Observations: Good morning passerine flight. Influx of Chipping Sparrows, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Caspian Terns, Yellow-rumps, Pine, and one each Palm and Nashville Warbler. 5 Sandhill Cranes in group of 4 and single. First two Common Terns. 

Predictions: Friday: rain coming in overnight, wind SW or W ahead of coming cold front. Rain-free periods could have birds ahead of the front. I will try to update Oneidabirds and the CNY RBA if a big pre-frontal movement develops. Saturday: cold, sunny, NW wind. Not good flight condtions. Sunday: much better conditions. Light wind and partly sunny skies. Should be birds.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Ok to park on Derby Hill Thursday, but please drive slowly on Grand View Dr. Sage Creek Rd will also likely have a lot of songbirds so please go slow and look out for our critters!!!

Weather: NNE to NNW wind, cool, sunny.

 Raptor Observations: Very little migration. A low Golden Eagle flew by directly overhead.

 Non-raptor Observations: One Sandhill Crane, Purple Martin, Towhee, Thrasher, and some Blue Jays have started migrating along the bluff.

 Predictions: Thursday: Man your stations!!!! This is not a drill. Best-of-season flight is possible. SE wind drifting to SW, sunny with increasing clouds and rain approaching but should not be a factor for us beyond pushing birds ahead of it. Could easily be 3000+ raptors. Main question will be whether lake breeze will take over and if it does what that will mean. Increasing clouds could help in this respect. Big songbird flight possible in the morning. Friday: something of a question mark depending on how much rain. Overcast. Rain-free and cold front coming could mean a good flight depending on exactly what happens. Saturday: cold, sunny, NW wind. Not a good forecast. Sunday is better. Rumor has it blocking high pressure may control North America next week. That could cost us a lot of birds.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:15 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:45 p.m.
Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Visitors: One 

Weather: Stiff north winds scattered the flight for the first half of the day, a
shift to WNW was a little better. Clear for most of the day but at
least the wind kept the birds low.

Raptor Observations: Typical raptors for an off-wind day.

 Non-raptor Observations: Very little moving.

Predictions: The prediction for Wednesday is west wind, should produce another scattered flight. Thursday is supposed to have south wind but will it be strong enough to hold off the lake breeze?

Monday, April 18, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Light NW wind in place early. Full sun, warm.

Raptor Observations: Broad-wing numbers continue to grow. A Merlin and dark Rough-leg were highlights, as was a Bald Eagle flying with a fish in its talons. Good Sharpie flight.

Non-raptor Observations: More sparrows than previous days, including Song, Field, and White-throated. Not a great morning flight.

Predictions: Tue: NW wind, cooler, after front coming from our north passes. Partly sunny. Some birds expected every day. Wed: full sun, light N wind. Should be modest flight. Thu: SE wind, sun to partial sun, warm. All hands on deck!!! Should be huge.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Many visitors today. Thanks to all for help spotting birds.  

Weather: Clear skies, light S wind in the morning becoming light N by 9:00 a.m. Obvious lake breeze takeover around 10:30. Wind seemed to be variations of N as perceived at the south lookout but Oswego Coast Guard readings for the afternoon showed W. There’s not usually that much disconnect. The high pressure that’s been in control has likely cost us thousands of birds lost from being spread out.

 Raptor Observations: Very little flight early in the day. Once it started, became dispersed with good Sharp-shin flight on lots of different flight lines from S of south lookout to north lookout. Red-tails still overwhelmingly adults. Far fewer Turkey Vultures than on previous days. No eagles but one light Rough-leg and three immature Red-shoulders. One Goshawk passing between lookouts might have been Braddock Bay’s bird of the previous day. Sharpie seen stooping on a Starling then trying to dispatch.

 Non-raptor Observations: Big Flicker flight, ~500 between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. First Field Sparrow, Towhee, and Yellow-rumped Warbler noted. Other than the Flickers it was not a great morning passerine flight. Siskins heard calling from both lookouts and good number of Goldfinches around. I’m putting up some photos from today at the link below. In particular, a photo I don’t think I’ve gotten before – two Red-tails in the same frame, one a juv. https://www.flickr.com/photos/krankykestrel/

 Predictions: Mon: Light and variable overnight, which has meant light S in the morning. Morning passerine flight possible. Sunny, wind becoming W or WNW. W wind after all these days of N could mean a big but dispersed flight. A cold front is coming for Monday night; could be a positive factor. Tue: NW wind after front passage. Not good. WED: N wind, sun. Should be some birds. Thur: variants on S wind, partly sunny. Could be…..huge.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Many  

Weather: Full sun, warmer, SE wind until 10:30 when lake breeze took over.

Raptor Observations: Nice flight at the north lookout, then rapid shift substantially inland. Much of the flight 1-2+ miles south of the south lookout.

Non-raptor Observations: Several hundred Flickers and first House Wren. Decent morning flight.

Predictions: Sun: light and variable overnight with light S wind until the lake breeze takes over. Probably a lot like today. Should be a decent morning flight then raptors and shift to south lookout. Mon: W or WNW wind ahead of coming cold front. Could be good.

Friday, April 15, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Thanks to all who helped spot birds during a difficult afternoon flight with glare, heat shimmer, and very distant birds. Weekend parking rules in effect for Saturday/Sunday, at least as long as the flight lasts at the North Lookout. Please use the third field lot or park on Sage Creek Rd.

 Weather SE wind in the morning, holding on surprisingly long until noon. NNE after. Warm, full sun.

 Raptor Observations: First 2 Broad-winged Hawks. Lots of Harriers, Kestrels, and Sharpies around. Much of the afternoon flight was south of the south lookout. Turkey Vulture with several white primaries on right wing.

 Non-raptor Observations: Strong morning flight – many Flickers, several Mourning Dove groups, small flocks of Purple Finch. 10k blackbirds – Grackles, Red-wings, Cowbirds, Rusties. New arrivals include Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow. Plenty of Goldfinches around.

Predictions: Sat: light and variable or light S wind overnight should mean good morning flight. Warm. S or SSE wind in the morning giving way to lake breeze. Like today, there will probably be a nice hawk flight at the north lookout which will move inland and be less fun and more difficult to count. Sun: light and variable overnight and into morning hours then lake breeze taking over and shifting birds inland.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Thanks to other observers for helping spot birds.

 Weather Clear sky, full sun. S wind early but Lake breeze took over quickly.

Raptor Observations: Difficult flight, spread out. Decent fraction of Red-tails and Harriers. Red-tails still virtually all adults. No Broad-wings but they should be here any time.

 Non-raptor Observations: Most of the songbird migrants that have been around have departed. Awaiting the next wave.

 Predictions: High pressure is in control of the eastern US, giving us clear skies, full sun, and warmer. Pattern continues through Sunday. Could easily be good morning flights of non-raptors. Fri-Sun: light wind overnight and light SE in the morning, N lake breeze should take over. We’re at peak flight time and I’m expecting a big south lookout flight but not sure which day. Or….high pressure could be causing dispersed movement and a lot of birds missed. Too much good weather is as bad as too much bad weather.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Observers: Ken Burdick
Visitors: Four

Weather: Sunny and cool with a brisk N-NW wind. Clouds over the last 45 minutesbrought the flight to a standstill.

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures, Red-tails and little else.

Non-raptor Observations: Barred Owl calling, 2 Caspian Terns at the north lookout after the count was over.

 Predictions: Temperature moderating somewhat but the north winds will continue until morale improves.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Visitors: Sally and Chris Holt. 

Weather: WNW-W wind 10-16 mph thru the day. Dry and quickly changing cloud conditions.

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures and little else.

Non-raptor Observations: 5 Common Loons, 7 Double-crested Cormorants migrating onto Lake Ontario and 2 Wilson’s Snipe.

Predictions: Chilly and north winds, there should be some birds on moderate north wind.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 1.00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

 Weather: S wind, rain all afternoon, warmer.

 Raptor Observations: A few harriers in the rain-free period mid-morning, then afternoon rainout. Disappointing.

 Predictions: Tue: W wind and cooler, partly sunny. Wed-Sat: light N wind and mostly sunny. Should be some good South Lookout flights.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

 Weather: Very cold for the date but mostly sunny, light wind between WNW and NNE.

 Raptor Observations: Decent off-wind flight at the south lookout but little species diversity. Local Cooper’s Hawk seen off and on maintaining its airspace. TV with a bulging crop went by, something we rarely notice on vultures. Most birds were low and slow.

 Non-raptor Observations: Not much new. Awaiting the next burst of passerines.

 Predictions: Mon: rain coming in overnight with warm front, becoming substantially warmer than Sunday on good SSE or S wind. Rain likely in the morning but Ch. 9 is forecasting “breaks of sun” midday and afternoon. Repeat of Thursday scenario? If it’s rain-free and partly sunny then could be a whopper of a flight ahead of coming cold front. Tue: cooler, good W wind, partly sunny. Could be a decent south lookout flight. Wed-Thu: N wind and sunny. Probably be birds at the south lookout.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler 

Weather: Cold N wind, below freezing, but bright sun all day.

Raptor Observations: A few Turkey Vultures passed and didn’t seem to come back.

Predictions: Sun: light NNW wind becoming W then light S by the end of the day. Cold for the date but above freezing, partly sunny, dry. There could be some birds. Mon: strong SSE wind, much warmer, overcast, rain in the forecast. Repeat of Thursday seems possible if the rain is less than predicted. I would be looking for a well-defined cloud ceiling with clear air underneath. Tue: cooler, W wind, partly sunny. Could be birds. April is the peak of our raptor migration.

Friday, April 8, 2016

No count conducted today
Weather: W and WNW wind and snow. Cold.

Raptor Observations: None. Cooper’s Hawk pursued a Flicker at the north lookout.Predictions: Sat: cold, N wind, partly sunny. Not very promising. Sun: lighter N wind and mostly sunny becoming mostly cloudy and light S. Another cold day withfew birds likely. Mon: warmer, good S wind but full overcast and rain likely. Probably some birds in rain free periods.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Hilltop is muddy.

 Weather S wind and warmer, much less rain than predicted. Full overcast but well defined cloud ceiling and clear below (rather than diffuse and foggy). Shift to SW and WSW around 1 p.m., then WNW at 2 p.m. with front passage.

 Raptor Observations: “Rain birds” were the theme early, then gradual ramp-up to spectacularflight ahead of the front and with unexpectedly little rain. Birds lowthrough noon or so, then shift to SW wind and birds over lake cutting the corner. Unknown how many we missed. Front passage put an end to fun about 2 p.m.. 95 Harriers (52 in one hour) many low, many adult males. Impressive TV flight (1200 in one hour). Only one Rough-leg but likely some missed over the lake since they will readily cut out there (as will Harriers). Three immature (ie, non-adult) Golden Eagles moving together. Decent number of Kestrels and good showing by Cooper’s Hawk too. Only one Red-shoulder.

 Non-raptor Observations: 20-25 migrating Great Blue Herons and a distant Great Egret. Obvious fallout-of-sorts of non-raptors on the hill after the front passed. Flickers, Brown Thrasher, Fox Sparrow, Kinglets, etc were all glad to see the vicinity of our feeders.

 Predictions: Fri: cold W wind, overcast, rain or snow possible. Thursday’s flight was staying ahead of these conditions. Not expecting much. Sat: N wind, mostly overcast, very cold for the date. Unlikely there will be any birds. Sun: cold, NW wind, partly sunny. Mon: much warmer on strong S wind but rain likely. Too early to say.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 1:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Hawk Mountain interns and leader.

Weather Cold SE wind, overcast. Never had partial sun or warmer air.

Raptor Observations: Very disappointing. Very few migrating birds.

Non-raptor Observations: Fox Sparrow at the feeders and a Brown Thrasher in the first hedgerow.

Predictions: Thu: SSE wind and rain, warmer, becoming NW and temp dropping. Might be a few birds if there are rain-free periods. Fri: strong W wind, cold, overcast. Sounds bad. Sat: cold N wind. No good. Sun: partly sunny, cold, NW wind. Mon: too early to say.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

 Observation start time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler

Visitors: Ok to drive up but it is muddy on top – recommend third field parking. Please drive slowly on Sage Creek Dr. and Grand View.

Weather N wind, full sun, cold, record cold previous night.

Raptor Observations: Small number of Turkey Vultures but there was no real migration.

Predictions: Wed: All hands on deck!!! SE wind, light in the morning but getting stronger. Warmer but not warm. Mostly to fully cloudy, some chance of rain especially mid-day. Morning passerine flight possible on light SE wind after a very cold overnight. Should be low slow raptors. Be here to see how it plays out. Thu: SE wind with rain approaching during the overnight. Morning songbird fallout likely. Raptor flight not likely unless it’s a lot different than predicted. Fri-Sun: winter returns. Mon: could be a good flight.

Monday, April 4, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Observers:
Visitors: None (of course!)

Weather Temp reaching -2 degrees C, cloudy with NE winds 12-16 mph. Very poor conditions.

Raptor Observations: Not surprisingly very little.

Non-raptor Observations 3 E. Meadowlarks and 2 Vesper Sparrows.

Predictions: NW wind, some sun and continued cold. Might be a few more birds than today.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

While no count conducted today Dave Wheeler’s report is always interesting.

Weather: Gale force NNW wind, cold, snow, becoming WNW and mostly sunny.

Raptor Observations:
Hawks didn’t get aircraft named after them by flying in these conditions. I
have put up some Kestrel and Harrier highlights from the recent “rain bird”
day at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/krankykestrel/
Most birds that passed that day had a full crop.

Non-raptor Observations:
My thistle socks continue to be hit hard by Goldfinches and Chickadees,
while Juncos wait below for the spill. Some time spent watching the lake
yielded mostly Ring-billed Gulls plus a few Herring and Bonaparte’s.
Observing conditions were difficult and I did not last long on the bluff.

Predictions:
Mon-Tue: theme is N wind of various sorts and very cold for the date.
Tuesday will have sun and maybe a small number of birds but I expect hawks
will sit these out. Wed: strong SSE wind, mostly cloudy, still cool for the
date but a big improvement over sub-freezing temps and snow. Could be good
to huge. Thu: S wind and rain likely before transition back to dreadful
weather for Friday.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors:
Weather S wind and overcast early, then rain and shift to W wind with clearing. Cold but mostly sunny thereafter.
Raptor Observations: Pulse of birds early but rain rolled in fast. A trickle after the wind shift.
Non-raptor Observations Flickers around in good number. Six Bonaparte’s Gulls.
Predictions: Sun: Gale-force NW wind off the Lake, likely becoming W, partly to mostly cloudy, very cold for the date. Turkey Vultures own the wind but I think they’ll sit it out. Unusual spring lakewatch conditions with 10-14′ waves – seems more productive for whatever aerialists get blown into the corner. Mon-Tue: cold and variations on N wind – very unfavorable for hawks. Wed: strong S wind and warmer than previous days (but not warm). Could be very good.

Friday, April 1, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors:
Weather: WSW wind early, full overcast, then clearing with W wind and cooler.
Raptor Observations: Birds on the move right away as soon as light rain stopped in the morning. No Rough-legs. Second Black Vulture of the season. Flight mostly at north lookout for first hour, then between lookouts, then frequently south of the south lookout. Typical W wind scenario with flight spread out and/or oscillating over the last mile before the lakeshore. Cold front passage during afternoon mostly shut down the intense portion.
Non-raptor Observations Chipping Sparrow and a singing Tree Sparrow. New arrivals reported from other areas.
Predictions: Sat: much cooler, SW becoming W, mostly cloudy. Probably will be some birds. Sun-Tue: winter returns, no birds expected. Wed-Thu: possibly our next decent day.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

 Observation start time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors:
Weather: Rainy drizzle started mid-morning, ended about 1:00 pm EDT, started again about 4 p.m. Lighter than expected S wind, heavy overcast, warm. Much more rain than the forecasts had predicted.
Raptor Observations: Small flight of low, close, “rain birds” during the afternoon. Excellent views of “gray ghost” and “brown” Harriers (about 50-50), Sharp-shins, and Kestrels (mostly males). Conditions were disappointing relative to forecast. I put up some new photos at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/krankykestrel/
Non-raptor Observations: Early morning flight of Robins, Grackles, blackbirds before the rain started. Flickers around and an early Chipping Sparrow seen by Bill Purcell.
Predictions: Fri: We’ve had two days of SSE wind, the second of which was mostly a rainout. Forecast for the next week is not pretty. Friday is supposed to start with S wind and overcast, rain likely, then shift to W wind and partial clearing. If that happens I think there could be a substantial flight of eastbound raptors on the W wind. Sat: S wind early, rain likely, becoming WNW. Full overcast, much cooler. I think Friday is more promising as it will be the first chance W wind has to move raptors on the Lakeshore. Sun-?: Cold air mass arrives. Very unfavorable for migration until Wednesday.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 6:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors: Many
Weather: Full sun, S wind stronger than expected. Cold start but warming.
Raptor Observations: Little diversity early in the day – Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered. All but 2 of 16 Red-shoulders were immatures. Continued poor showing of Cooper’s Hawk and no Rough-legs. Better diversity after 5:00 p.m. Flight volume lower than expected – points to supply issues. Some or even a lot of the mid-day flight was happening over the lake.
Non-raptor Observations: Some late-day swallows and Rusty Blackbirds around but otherwise virtually no morning/evening passerine flight. Suspect supply problem.
Predictions: Thu: strong S wind, full overcast, showers possible but not expecting much rain. If the birds get here it could be good but lack of sun always induces the unknown. On this kind of S wind birds could get here in a hurry though. We’re also due for a good songbird morning flight. Fri-Sat: S wind becoming W, mostly cloudy. Shift to W wind will likely clear the lakeshore of birds ahead of coming arctic air mass. Could be good flights. Sun-Tue: Yuck. Few birds expected.

Tues,, March 29, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Observers:
Visitors: Three
Weather: Cold and NNW wind at 12-15 mph. Blue sky for the last four hours.
Raptor Observations: Not much other than Turkey Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: Very little moving.
Predictions: Forecast is for sun, 60? F. and south winds. There should be a flight.

Monday, March 28, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Observers: Kevin McGann, Wayne Fidler
Visitors: Seven
Weather: Winds started at SE and went to west in the afternoon. Cloudy all day with periods of rain and/or drizzle with a few dry periods.
Raptor Observations: Nice variety and the Golden Eagle was a surprise given the conditions.
Non-raptor Observations: Lots of blackbirds on the move, 11 N. Flickers, ~20 Pine Siskins.
Predictions: Cold with strong WNW winds, possibly an early burst of TV’s and then little else.

 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 6:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Many enjoyed today’s flight..
Weather: Bright sun, SSE to S wind all day. Warm.
Raptor Observations: Various flight lines throughout the day, from low and over the lookout to high and substantially over the water where birds were missed (Red-shoulders and small accipiters likely the big victims). Second perched Goshawk of the season!!! Flew low and slow for amazing looks. Sweep of the 14 expected species for this date plus Black Vulture. One each Gos and Peregrine, plus a second bird likely Goshawk but obscured by trees. Still awaiting our first adult Gos. Sharpies have rapidly taken over the accipiter part of the program. At least 1/3 of Red-shoulders were immatures and several immature Roughies noted. Photos of the Goshawk going up to Flickr as soon as I can get to it.
Non-raptor Observations: Many non-raptor highlights – good morning and evening flights of icterids (5000 Grackles and 2000 Red-wings) and Robins (1500). Meadowlarks (15), Phoebes, first obvious movement of Flickers, Rusties, 3 Trumpeter Swans (any swan unusual for Derby) and a Lesser Black-backed Gull (both spotted by Wayne Fidler), small groups of Cedar Waxwings. “Too much to list”. Big thanks to Wayne for helping keep track of numbers on a difficult day.
Predictions: Mon: SSE wind overnight will mean songbirds in the morning. Rain likely. Could be hawks on the move during rain-free periods ahead of the weather change. Recommend checking radar for extent. Best-case scenario has apre-frontal flight if the rain is intermittent. Passerine fallout likely. Tue: unfavorable conditions but likely some birds on clearing skies. Bill Purcell will be manning the clickers. Wed: S wind, mostly sunny. Could be good. THU: warmer, strong S wind, rain likely. Probably too early to predict how it will play out. Fri-?.

 

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Observation start time: 8:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Weekend parking at Derby Hill Bird Observatory is on Sage Creek Road or in the third field parking lot (no uphill walk). Please don’t park at the north lookout. Many sparrows continue on the roadside edges – please drive slowly.
Weather: E wind becoming NE or N, cool, full sun.
Raptor Observations: Good, low, early flight on E winds. Flight line started in the third field and worked its way south over the first hour eventually ending up over the south lookout. North component of wind developed and numbers tailed off but still a good off-wind flight. First immature Red-shouldered Hawks of the season – at least 1/3 of today’s were young birds. Some immature Red-tails too.
Non-raptor Observations: Good number of Tree Swallows around and a Phoebe at the north lookout.
Predictions: Sun: All hands on deck!!!! SSE wind, full sun. Expecting 2000+ birds. Non-raptor goodies possible. Mon: SSE overnight with increasing clouds and rain. Morning songbird fallout likely. Raptor cleanup flight possible too. Tue: WNW wind, not good. Wed: S wind, could be good.

Friday, March 25, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Saturday count at South Lookout. Sunday at North Lookout – please park in third field lot or on Sage Creek Dr. Many sparrows along the roadsides – please drive slowly.
Weather: 25 kt W wind, overcast, cold.
Raptor Observations: Cleanup flight from Thursday night. Most birds in first hour, moving very fast through watch site airspace. Most birds either high or to the south. After the initial strong burst flight reduced to a trickle.
Non-raptor Observations: First Phoebe. Many Song Sparrows continue.
Predictions: Sat: sunny, N wind, a little warmer. Should be some birds especially if the N wind is light. Sun: warm, SSE wind, mostly sunny. Expecting a big flight even if lake breeze eventually wins out. Mon-Tue: unfavorable for hawks.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 5:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Visitors: Count likely at the South Lookout on Saturday. On Sunday, please use third field parking lot or walk up from Sage Creek Road.
Weather: ESE wind, cool, overcast, becoming sunny and NE wind about 3:30 EDT.
Raptor Observations: Good flight started up as soon as the clearing began. First Osprey and a burst of Kestrels and Harriers. Light immature Rough-leg continues to hang around fields behind south lookout (seven days at least).
Non-raptor Observations: Four Great Blue Herons; 15 Killdeer flying together, 30 Snow Geese with a conspicuous Ross’s Goose flew low past the north lookout, at least 30 Tree Swallows, dozens of Song Sparrows, at least one Rusty Blackbird, and an early Winter Wren. Good number of Meadowlarks at the south lookout. Many Song Sparrows on Sage Creek Road – please drive slowly.
Predictions: A lot of bad weather days have recharged our supply. Fri: low pressure is dragging a warm wedge through CNY during the Thu-Fri overnight. This will have moderate S wind and some rain associated but there could be a burst of new migrants in the morning, especially migrant owls. The cold front forming the western boundary of the wedge will pass Friday and leave cold W winds in its wake. This could be a formula for an off-wind Turkey Vulture flight since they like strong W tail winds. Overcast with rain in the early morning. Sat: Clear skies, light and variable wind will translate to lake breeze by 11am EDT. Almost certainly some hawks. SUN: All hands on deck!!! Mostly sunny and SSE or S wind, probably strong enough to hold off the lake breeze. Could easily be 2,000 raptors and plenty of other goodies.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

No count conducted today
Weather: Cold, N wind, rain.
Predictions: Thu: the frontal boundary at the time of this writing has set up south of
the watch site. If it lifts north overnight we would have warmer weather
and ESE wind, full overcast, probably some hawks. Else it will be cold and
not many hawks expected. Fri: cold, strong W wind. A few vultures will
likely move on a strong tailwind. Sat: sunny, light N wind. Should be some
birds on the move. Sun: warmer, S wind, mostly sunny. Could be very good. Report by Dave Wheeler

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Weather: Sunny, SSW wind, cold, eventually becoming W and cloudy.
Raptor Observations: Expected it to be better. Cooper’s Hawk display-flying at various times in the morning.
Non-raptor Observations: Migration at a standstill for the most part.
Predictions: Wed: N wind, cold, full overcast, rain likely. Counter day off. Thu: warmer, full overcast, medium-strong E to SE wind, chance of rain. The wind really needs to be SE to expect much but this is the first warm day in a while. Has some potential for birds depending on exactly what happens. Fri: cold, overcast, strong W wind. Not expecting much. SAT-SUN: warmer, S wind, Sunday probably better.

Monday, March 21, 2016

 Observation start time: 10:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers: Gerry Smith
Visitors: Thanks to Hawk Counter-emeritus G. Smith for keeping watch in the morning hours.
Weather: Mostly sunny, cold, strong W to WNW winds.
Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures between the north and south lookouts. It seems on strong NW wind they have little fear of being blown out over the lake. TVs like strong wind and in a week or so these same conditions with a lot of west in the wind can produce a substantial vulture flight in otherwise very cold weather. We continue to be very short on Rough-legs.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Tue: warmer, SW wind becoming S, sunny becoming cloudy as the day goes on. Should be hawks on the move, possibly a good flight. Wed: N wind and rain likely. Not favorable. Thu: a frontal boundary is setting up over CNY and conditions at the watch site will depend on where the front is – south of it will see warm and S wind, rain possible; north of the front will be cool with N wind. Too early to tell at this point. A discussion appears on the weather page of localsyr.com

Sunday, March 20, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Weather: Surprising SE wind held on until about noon. Cold but mostly sunny. Lake breeze thereafter.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations
Predictions: Mon: cold, strong, NW wind, partly to mostly cloudy. Not promising. Tue: warmer, SW wind becoming S, lake breeze may take over. Partly sunny becoming mostly cloudy. Should be birds as long as the south wind lasts. Wed: N wind, overcast. Not good. Thu: warm but overcast, E wind to SE, rain likely. Too early to say.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

 Observation start time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:30 p.m.
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Weather: NNE wind, cold, sunny.
Raptor Observations: Questionable whether the few birds seen were migrating.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Sun: lighter N wind than today, cold, sunny. Not expecting much. Mon: cold, NW wind, likely no count. Tue-Wed: improving weather but Thu-Fri more promising.

Friday, March 18, 2016

No count was conducted. A cold front has dropped in from the north and with it NW winds and cold.
Predictions: Sat.-Sun: cold, variations on N wind, sunny. Not favorable for raptors aside from the sun aspect. Mon: continued cold and strong NW wind, mostly cloudy,likely no count. At this date these conditions don’t give us hawks. Tue.-Wed: transition days to much improved conditions for Thursday.
This report courtesy of Dave Wheeler.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Weather: S wind becoming W, mostly sunny.
Raptor Observations: 3 Golden Eagles, 1 imm. Goshawk. Fewer Rough-legs than expected.
Non-raptor Observations: 4-6 Sandhill Cranes (2 seen going south).
Predictions: Fri: cold NW wind, overcast, rain or snow possible. No count expected. Sat: N wind, sunny, not expecting much. Sun: sunny, light and variable. Likely the best of five bad days, could be a few birds. Mon: NW wind and cold, mostly cloudy. Bad conditions. Tue: transitional. Wed: too early to tell but warmer and S wind.

Wed, March 16, 2016

 Observation start time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Weather: Foggy up through 11 a. .m, then mostly cloudy with occasional sun. SE wind through 3 p.m. when rain hit.
Raptor Observations: Accipiters, Red-shoulders, and the first immature Red-tail I’ve noticed were highlights.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Thu: clear skies in the morning with S wind becoming SW and strong W, increasing clouds. Chance of showers/t-storms in the afternoon. I’m expecting a good flight for a number of reasons – last day before the weather change and our first real W wind in a few days. Fri: cold front drops in from the north, strong N wind. No flight. Sat-Sun: not expecting much but skies will be clear.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

 Observation start time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Weather: SSE wind, promising start with clear sky and sun. Clouds moved in quickly and rain started around 2pm.
Raptor Observations: Red-shoulders continue. First goshawk, an immature.
Non-raptor Observations: Over a thousand American Robins in morning flight. Still a few Snow Geese.
Predictions: Wed: E wind becoming SE, overcast, chance of rain increasing. Warm, but not very promising. Thu: WSW wind becoming W, partly sunny. Last day before the weather change. Could be some birds. Fri: cold, NW wind, likely no raptors at this date. Sat-Sun: cold, N wind, not promising.

Monday, March 14, 2016

 Observation start time: 10:30 a.m
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Weather: Strong SSE wind and rain in the morning. Intermittent sprinkles and continued wind in the afternoon with brightening skies.
Raptor Observations: Not a lot of birds but everything low (below treetop height) made for great looks. Close-approach Bald Eagle and Cooper’s Hawk: https://www.flickr.com/photos/…
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Tue: a little warmer, SE wind becoming light and variable. Overcast, some chance of showers. Could be some birds depending on exactly what happens. Wed: light and variable becoming SE if the Lake breeze doesn’t take over. Warm, mostly cloudy, some chance of rain. Could be good. Thu: beginning of transition to mostly unfavorable weather.

 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Weather: Light NNE wind all day, increasing clouds.
Raptor Observations: Highlight was a personal favorite, a Turkey Vulture with no tail. Photos going up at https://www.flickr.com/photos/…
Non-raptor Observations: Low morning flight of grackles and blackbirds, some geese, Tree Swallows, Meadowlarks.
Predictions: Mon: strong SE wind but rain likely, especially early. Cold front passage, cool, overcast. Not much hope unless the rain lets up in earnest for the afternoon. Tue: SE wind, warmer, less chance of rain, mostly cloudy. Shows some promise, especially in the morning. Wed: warm, south wind, possible rain. Too early to tell.

 

Saturday, March 12, 2016

 Observation start time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation end   time: 5:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors: Many.
Weather: S wind and sunny up through 11:30 or so when lake breeze took over and winds became W. Started cold but warmed up fast.
Raptor Observations: Nice Red-shoulder flight (50 birds) but W wind shift spread things out. Large accipiter in bad light was shown to be Cooper’s Hawk in photos. Putting up a selection of Red-shouldered Hawk pics at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/…
Non-raptor Observations: Crows, Red-wings, Grackles, continue. A few geese.
Predictions: Sun: current prediction is for light N wind and mostly sunny. Should be a few birds. Mon: Strong SE wind but overcast and most predictions have rain a certainty especially early in the day. The question will be how heavy and will it end for the afternoon. Obviously there could be birds of various sorts depending on how it plays out. Tue: moderate SE wind, overcast, but less chance of rain.

 

 

 

Friday, March 11, 2016

No count was conducted because of today’s weather: NW wind, overcast, some rain.

Predictions: Sat: warm and sunny, light S or SW wind, lake breeze may take over. Should be birds under these conditions but may move to south lookout for the afternoon. Sun: light NE wind, not as warm. Could be a few birds. Mon:strong SE wind (our best), cooler, rain likely. Could be interesting depending on how it plays out. 

Weekend parking rules are in effect for the north lookout. Please park in the third field lot or on Sage Creek Rd. and walk up.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

No count was conducted today.
Weather: Rain, warm before cold front passage.
Predictions: Fri: Cold, NW wind, no flight expected on this early date. Sat: warmer, S
wind becoming W, full sun, likely some birds. Sun: light and variable wind,
partial sun, lake breeze expected to dominate by mid-day. Could be a few
raptors. Mon: SE wind (our best) but current forecast has rain likely. Will
almost certainly see some birds depending on how the rain plays out.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

 Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors: 10
Weather: SW wind eventually becoming WSW and W. Some morning sun.
Raptor Observations: 3 presumably-different Peregrines. First Golden Eagles.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese on the move. One probable White-fronted Goose.
Predictions: Thu: rain all day, no count. Fri: much cooler, NW wind, likely no birds. Sat: S wind, promising.

 

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Observation start time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors: Parking atop hill OK, but please drive very slowly on the road.
Weather: SSE wind until a light lake breeze kicked in at 11 a.m. Unexpectedly sunny for first half of day.
Predictions: Wed: warm S to SW wind, partially overcast. Promising conditions but this is an early date and we had supply problems today. Can only be here to see how it plays out! Thu-Fi: yuck. SAT: S wind after two off days. Could be good.
Non-raptor Observations: 8,000-10,000 American Crows and a similar number of Snow Geese. Seven Killdeer, good morning and evening flights of male Red-winged Blackbirds (thousands) with a few Grackles mixed in. Decent number of Canada Geese.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Observation start time: 08:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors: Drive-up access to hill OK, but please drive very slowly on Grand View Ave.
Weather: S wind becoming SW and WSW, overcast, occasional light sprinkles.
Raptor Observations: Good flight of everything but raptors. 2 dark, 1 light Rough-legged Hawk, 5 adult male Northern Harriers.
Non-raptor Observations: Excellent morning flight (Snow Geese all day): 14,100 Snow Geese, 2 Ross’s Geese, 2,700 Canada Geese, 12,500 Red-winged Blackbirds, 4,600 American Crows, 1 Killdeer, 109 American Robins, 122 Common Grackles. Thanks to Wayne Fidler for keeping these counts. Photos of Snows and Ross’s Goose here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/…
Predictions: Tue: light SE, overcast, warmer; after today it probably won’t be good unless weather is better than predicted. Wed: we’ll be in the warm wedge, which is usually a good thing, S becoming SW, likely the better of these two days with a cold front coming. Lack of sun and lack of wind strength is hurting us both days. Thu-Fri: still unseasonably warm but N wind and rain. Early forecasts for Saturday are promising.

 

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Observation start time: 10:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: David Wheeler
Observers:
Visitors: As far as I know, we’re allowing hilltop parking. Mud may be an issue – stay tuned.
Weather: Light N wind at watch site, likely light S inland. Sunny, cold in the morning but better later.
Raptor Observations: Good flight given the conditions, started about 1pm. Five Roughies included 2 dark morphs. First Red-shoulder. Some scenes from today at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/…
Non-raptor Observations: A few Red-wings and Grackles about. Some crows.
Predictions: Mon: S wind becoming W, mostly cloudy, warmer with first warm front passage. Flight Sunday afternoon bodes well for birds on Mon. Tue: SE wind,mostly cloudy, warmer, could be good. WED: SW wind, warmer still with second warm front passage, could be really good ahead of cold front coming for Thursday.

 

Saturday, March 5, 2016

 Observation start time: 10:00 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Wayne Fidler
Observers: None
Weather: NNE wind becoming stronger after clearing.
Raptor Observations: Very few raptors seen. A crow harassed a male Harrier.
Non-raptor Observations: 300 Snow Gooses and a couple hundred crows on the move.
Visitors: 3
Prediction: Sun: Light and variable becoming light S. The trend is improving but notexpecting a lot unless the S takes over in earnest. Mon: high pressure offthe Georgia coast starts slinging warm air our way. S becoming SW, possibly strong enough to keep the lake breeze at bay. Tue-Wed: light S and SW, lake breeze will likely prevail at least if the sun is out. Thu: N wind and cooler. Mon-Wed should see our first burst of birds but at this date there is not a huge number imminently to our south. Should see our first Turkey Vultures, Rough-legs, Golden Eagle, Goshawk, Killdeer, etc.

 

 

Friday, March 4, 2016

 Observation start time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 2:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Wheeler
Observers: None
Weather: NNE wind becoming stronger after clearing.
Raptor Observations: No real migration.
Non-raptor Observations:
Visitors:
Next Day Forecast: Sat-Sun: light and variable wind will probably translate to lake breeze; not expecting much. Mon: warmer, S or SW wind, probably enough to hold off any lake breeze; should be birds. Tue-Wed: S or SW wind. Hawks likely especially if enough wind speed to keep the lake breeze in check.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

 No count conducted today

Weather: Very cold with N wind following passage of a 1000-mile long cold front.
Raptor Observations: They didn’t get to be apex predators by flying in this!
Predictions: Fri: light E wind becoming N. Not too promising. Sat-Sun: light and variable wind will likely translate to lake breeze. Possibly a few birds. Mon: warmer, SW wind, likely our first meaningful flight. Tue: S wind, even better.

 

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

 No count conducted today
Weather: Snow and northwest wind in the wake of passage of a strong low and associated cold front.
Raptor Observations: They didn’t get to be atop the food chain by flying in conditions like these.
Predictions: Thur: cold with N wind = no hawks at this date. Fri: N wind and the beginning of three transition days. Likely no birds. Sat-Sun: light N wind and partly sunny. Not expecting much. Mon-?: variations on S wind, temps low 50s-low 60s. Still on track for a solid start to spring migration.

 

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Observation start time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation end time: 3:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Wheeler
Observers: None
Weather: Light N wind drifting to E. Full overcast eventually clearing at end of count. Cold. Falling barometer.
Raptor Observations: No evidence of anything really migrating. Adult Cooper’s Hawk display-flapping west of the south lookout. Later the bird escorted a raven out of its airspace, getting several hundred yards east of the north lookout before turning back. This implies territory of roughly a mile radius. The bird is observed year after year – for how many years has it been the same bird? When did it arrive back on territory? Did it even leave for the winter?
Non-raptor Observations: No snow left on the ground, no ice on the lake. A very different start from 2015.
Visitors: 2
Next Day Forecast: Wed-Fri.: varying degrees of unfavorable weather. Sat-Sun.: too early to tell but probably unfavorable. Next week: current predictions have Monday as the authentic start of spring with a prolonged period of temps above 50F. We can expect our first meaningful push of raptors, but too much good weather eventually dilutes the flight for the same reasons too much bad weather does.

 

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Observation start time: 09:45 a.m.
Observation end time: 4:00 p.m.
Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Bill Purcell
Observers:: Kevin McGann, Wayne Fidler
Weather: Sunny, south winds and temps in the 50’s.
Raptor Observations: First recorded raptors for the season.
Non-raptor Observations: 130 Snow Geese, 4400 American Crows.
Visitors: 12
Next Day Forecast: Nothing even approaching 40º F. for the coming week.