Sep 15th - More of the Same Action

When I arrived at the park this morning at 9:30, the Royal Rosetta Air Force was already practicing their aerial acrobatic maneuvers.  While I was walking down the hill in to the parking lot, one Red-tail was sitting in a tree close to the office where Charlene was photographing it.  When I got over to the hawk watch area the same bird came flying by right in front of me almost as to say 'good morning'.  Another interesting moment came a little later in the day while we were all enjoying the show - for some reason one of the hawks decided that it was going to dive down at Don who was simply standing still trying to get a photo of the bird.  Not sure if there was a squirrel anywhere behind him or it was his black ball cap that the bird was after, mistaking it as a squirrel.  Luckily for Don the hawk letup at the last minute.  I wouldn't advise anyone to wear a Coonskin Cap in the park once it really gets cold - LOL!

Today:
Osprey - 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 36
American Kestrel - 1
Total - 39

To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 0
Osprey - 89
Bald Eagle - 37
Northern Harrier - 32
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 916
Cooper's Hawk - 13
Northern Goshawk - 0
Red-shouldered Hawk - 0
Broad-winged Hawk - 148
Red-tailed Hawk - 20
Rough-legged Hawk - 0
Golden Eagle - 0
American Kestrel - 140
Merlin - 41
Peregrine Falcon - 3
Total - 1439

Red-tailed Hawk (Paul)

 Sharp-shinned Hawk (Walter)

Red-tailed Hawk (Walter)

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were again juicing-up today for the big flight south.  Several photographers were busy moving between the Black-and-blue Salvia and the Spanish Flag flowers in hopes of getting 'The Shot'.

A beautiful photo! (Paul)

It was another fantastic day for Monarch migration!  My best guesstimation would be 500+.  Terry was able to tag a total of 16 of them today.

Charlene was kind enough to show us all this Praying Mantis.

Another great shot! (Terry)

Lots of wonderful people gathered again today at the Watch.  My thanks for your friendship and help.

From weatherunderground.com:  Areas of patchy fog early. Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 19C. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 km/h.

See you at the park!

Walter