Today I didnt expect to see much as winds were not right for a good movement of raptors in our area. Low winds were from off the lake,high winds were weak at best from the east. The count of 120 was fair,most birds were very high up. We did have a low flying Osprey and a low Broadwing. The best sighting of the day was a Merlin that flew past at mach 1,then came from behind us chasing a Northern Flicker,that was flying for its life. Something none of us had ever seen. The Merlin soon continued on without its meal. We had several first time visitors who at least got to see a few birds and enjoy the beauty of Rosetta McClain Gardens. Thanks to Sean,Marty,Brad,Pam,Lee,Carol,Bruce,Mike,Cory,Leon,Sue,Bill and Walter(who kept tally today) for joining us and lets hope for lower birds next time. Great conversation filled the slow spots.
Our total of 120 raptors was:
Osprey............................1
Bald Eagle......................1(juvenile 917am)
Northern Harrier.........3
Sharpshinned Hawk..82
Coopers Hawk.............2
Broadwinged Hawk.....1
American Kestrel.......26
Merlin...........................3
Peregrine Falcon..........1
The conditions look great now for Tuesday and Wednesday. If we are going to see any large movement of Broadwinged Hawks,it will be one or both of those days if the weather holds. Remember historically we have not seen huge movements of Broadwinged Hawks. Our best season is only 225. That said many are great sightings of low birds and who knows maybe a bunch will end up at our shoreline.
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