Aug 31 The End To A Successful August...18raptors

Today the gang enjoyed a beautiful day. The sun was very hot on us,but the skies were perfect. We ended the watch at 1pmEDT. We had one bird that sparked debate,we had it as a bueteo,but it didnt look right. Fortunately Ann got a few photos(not up to her standards) that were good enough for a positive ID. Colin and I looked at the photos and independantly came up with 100% Northern Goshawk,a juvenile.We finished the last day of the month of August with 18 raptors. We saw:
1-Osprey
1-Turkey Vulture
13-Sharpshinned Hawks
1-Northern Goshawk
1-American Kestrel
1-Merlin

Ann Brokelman sent along these 2 shots of a Sharpshinned Hawk and an Osprey.



The Final August Total is a record 250 raptors.
32-Osprey(new Aug record)
14-Turkey Vultures
8-Bald Eagles(new Aug record)
14-Northern Harriers
80-Sharpshinned Hawks
5-Coopers Hawks
1-Northern Goshawk(first in Aug for us)
16-Broadwinged Hawks
36-Redtailed Hawks
27-American Kestrels
7-Merlins(new Aug record)
10 Peregrine Falcons(new Aug record)
The 71 raptors spotted on Aug 26 was an August record.

Thanks to everyone for their contributions to a brilliant start to the 2009 raptor watch season. We have already seen some great birds and I look forward to many more. Its been great to see new folks out for the first times and Ive enjoyed seeing all of the regulars from previous seasons. Keep watching for north element winds and remember we should see some of the Canadian International Airshow planes in the coming week,and during the airshow this coming weekend.