Sep 11th - 131 Birds, 121 Sharpies!

Not quite the way that I envisioned it...nor the weather people!  The wind didn't swing around to the northwest until at least mid-day and the sun never really did shine today.  It was mostly a very dull almost October kind-a day.  The wind seemed to die down somewhat in the afternoon as well.  Thankfully the Sharpies and the Monarchs kept us going.

Today:
Osprey - 3
Northern Harrier - 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 121
Broad-winged Hawk - 1
American Kestrel - 2
Merlin - 2
Total - 131

To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 0
Osprey - 66
Bald Eagle - 18
Northern Harrier - 21
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 592
Cooper's Hawk - 11
Northern Goshawk - 0
Red-shouldered Hawk - 0
Broad-winged Hawk - 92
Red-tailed Hawk - 15
Rough-legged Hawk - 0
Golden Eagle - 0
American Kestrel - 116
Merlin - 33
Peregrine Falcon - 3
Total - 967

Here's a few shots courtesy of Mike D.

Osprey

At least one of the local Red-tails did a lot of hunting in the park today.  She perched low in the trees and on top of several of the lamp posts in the gardens.  What a 'poser'.

(Mike D)

(Walter)

Non-raptor sightings today included seven Common Loons and a Common Raven.

Monarch migration was moving nicely along the bluffs today with 212 individuals being counted.

A wonderful cast today including - Betty, Dave W, Carol, Terry, Peter, Pat & Nancy, Derryn, Jeanie, Arvo, Trudi, Bruce, John, Berle, Mike D, Hugh, Murray, Manny, Leon, Gunnar, Eleanor, Lee, and Jeff.  A big 'thankyou' to everyone!

Wind from the north continues tomorrow but much lighter.  Hopefully the birds will still follow the shoreline.

Walter