Wind (current)

September 4 Raptor Count:47 YTD Total:163

Finally today,after 2 days of rain and generally poor weather,day long north-west winds made for a very good, still early migration day. The day started slowly,before it greatly improved. A Bald Eagle(2nd year) was seen by myself,Colin and a few passersby,as it gave us at least a 10minute view at 11am. Its possible this was one seen at Cranberry Marsh today too. A Peregrine Falcon,hugged the lakeshore as it went past below us. Later a Merlin went through the park,barely above the trees,at hyper-speed,but clearly identifiable. A Sharpshinned Hawk attacked a Red-winged Blackbird from nowhere,as during a lull we were watching the blackbird..quite a thrill. As a new raptor enthusiast,Carol really enjoyed seeing many Sharpshinned Hawks and Kestrels,and a beautiful Osprey which passed us,very close to the bluffs. The final break down was:
Turkey Vulture..........2
Osprey.....................3
Bald Eagle................1
Northern Harrier.......2
Sharpshinned Hawk.30
Coopers Hawk.........1
Redtailed Hawk........2
American Kestrel......4
Merlin.......................1
Peregrine Falcon.......1
Total Sept 4............47
10 species in a day was wonderful to see. How is this for consistant? Last season on Sept 3 my total was 163 for the fall,as of today my total for 2006 is 163. Thanks again to everyone who visited,helped and took interest.
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