I had a pretty good day today at Mount Peter, at least compared to how dead it has been up there for the last week or so (the weather just hasn’t been cooperating!). I had 46 migrating raptors, which was just enough to keep it interesting throughout the day. Raptor highlights included an immature Bald Eagle that flew over the valley heading southwest in the third hour of the watch, and the final bird of the day was an adult Peregrine Falcon that passed, very high, directly over the viewing platform. Sharp-shinned Hawks led the day with 28 being counted.
One of the many things that I like about counting at the hawkwatch is that it is 8 hours of straight birding. You never know what you might get during that time. Right upon my arrival and pretty much throughout the day, I had a pair of Black-throated Green Warblers not very far from the platform. I also had several Yellow-rumped Warblers and a couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets at different times, and Canada Geese were moving big time; I counted over 1,300 for the day. Here’s my report:
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter Matt Zeitler
Observers: Ken Witkowski
Visitors:
Amy Greher, Kate Blitz, Ruth Ross
Weather:
Sunny with some clouds in the morning, then sunny and clear. Temperatures ranged from 11 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Raptor Observations:
Migrating Raptors: One immature Bald Eagle, (1) immature Northern Harrier, (1) male Northern Harrier, (2) adult Red-shouldered Hawks, and (2) unknown American Kestrels. Non-migrating Raptors: One adult Bald Eagle flew north and One immature Bald Eagle headed east.
Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose (1,305), American Goldfinch (8), Hairy Woodpecker (1), Cedar Waxwing (35), Tufted Titmouse (4), Black-capped Chickadee (5), Common Raven (4), Red-bellied Woodpecker (2), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (4), Black-throated Green Warbler (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2), Northern Cardinal (1), White-breasted Nuthatch (1), Blue Jay (9), American Crow (6).
~One day I will get a good Common Raven photo. Until then, I give you this; Common Raven at Mt. Peter Hawkwatch, 10/10/15.~
Great shots Matt
Next year I will definitely get to that hawk watch.
Wilma
It’s not too late Wilma! We go until November 15th! Glad you like the shots. Matt
Even on a slower day at the hawk watch, you’re a productive birder. Nice pictures, especially the black-throated green. That’s not a bird that I know well.
Ha! I was just trying to make the best of it! It was actually a great day to be on the mountain… a few more hawk would have been nice but what can you do? Matt