Aug 31st - 41 Raptors, 9 Eagles, and an Airshow!

Wow, what a great way to end off the month! The wind was blowing straight down from the north which caused the birds to fly a little too high for some watchers but for those with good eyesight or strong binoculars, the views were spectacular! Eagles are nice to see down low and without the aid of binoculars but for this hawkwatcher, there's nothing better than seeing the master of the sky soaring up high against the clouds. It's breathtaking!

The 41 birds observed today helped to lift us out of a dismal August count and put us at a far more respectable position - 2nd worst ever! LOL!!!

Today:
Osprey - 1
Bald Eagle - 9
Northern Harrier - 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 8
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Broad-winged Hawk - 3
Red-tailed Hawk - 8
American Kestrel - 5
Merlin - 2
Total - 41

To Date:
Osprey - 10
Bald Eagle - 13
Northern Harrier - 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 10
Cooper's Hawk - 3
Broad-winged Hawk - 6
Red-tailed Hawk - 9
American Kestrel - 8
Merlin - 7
Total - 70

Eagle Time(DST):
10:05am - BE
10:39am - BE
11:21am - BE
11:34am - BE
12:00pm - BEx2
12:56pm - BEx2 (adults)
03:35pm - BE

a beautifully marked Bald Eagle (Lee)

 a high-flying Bald Eagle over the fountain area at 3:35pm (Walter)

a gorgeous male American Kestrel (Lee)

Other Birds:
Red-tailed Hawk (local), Turkey Vulture (local), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Flycatcher sp, Chimney Swift, Barn Swallow, Downy Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo, Blue Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, American Goldfinch, Common Nighthawk, and many others.

Airshow:
This afternoon the military had several of their planes and helicoptors out flying practice runs for tomorrow's 'Changing of the Colours' ceremony at City Hall.  If you can't be at Nathan Phillips' Square for the celebrations perhaps Rosetta might be your second best choice.

CH-146 Griffon

CH-146 Griffon (Search and Rescue)

CH-148 Cyclone

CH-124 Sea King

CP-140 Aurora

CC-130J Hercules

CC-177 Globemaster III

CC-130 Hercules (Refueler) and two CF-18 Hornets

Tomorrow's massive flyover will have aircraft old and new and include The Snowbirds.  Don't you dare miss it!  Don't forget your camera!

Hawkwatchers:
Allison, Theresa, Sheldon, Lee, Walter, Berle, Ron, Phil L, Lacey, Phil F, Ann G, and Carol S.  Thankyou everyone for all your help today.  Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork!!!

Weather Prediction:
Similar to today - wind from the north.  Bring your binoculars!

See you at the park,
Walter