Today was another relatively slow day for me at Mt. Peter. I recently wrote that I have been snake bit this season, but in retrospect, I’m not sure that’s true. Instead, I think that the crazy warm temperatures have really affected the counts this year, particularly in October (which has felt more like August). We have had fewer “good” days this October. Last year, we had 10 days with over 50 migrating raptors; this year we have had only 6. We have also had more “bad” days this year, with less than 25 birds on 13 days! Last year, by comparison, had only 8 days in October with less than 25 birds.
I was hoping for the best, but I was not overly optimistic coming into today. The continuing warm temperatures and a south wind were not a promising combination. I totaled 24 migrating raptors (see report below), which was just enough to keep me from going bonkers. An added bonus was that the majority of the migrating birds today flew over very low. This allowed for some really great looks and some photo ops too. I had additional photo ops when one of the local Red-tailed Hawks finally decided to spend some time near the viewing platform. And, I’m always hoping for something a little different to fly over the mountain, and today I was not disappointed – I had 3 skeins of BRANT fly over! I really should have gotten a good Brant photo, but I was a little slow on the draw. The Brant made my day, as they were my 216th species in Orange County this year.
Great white crowned shot. Was thinking about going up to Mt. Peter today but the Greenshank at Brig. today sent me south. Also had the white Ibis in Morristown today.
Thanks Bruce. You put on some miles, but it sounds like you had a great day! Matt
Beautiful photos, Matt!
Thanks Alice!
Agree with you, Matt, that this October’s above average temps had our counts lower then usual. Also the days with clear, cloudless or near cloudless blazing blue skies that made it difficult to spot some of the birds. Hoping for a few blustery days in November!
I hadn’t considered the cloudless days, Denise. It’s hard to quantify, but it sure seems like we’ve had an awful lot of them this year. I too am hoping for some blustery days in the next 2 1/2 weeks. Matt
My husband and I went up to Mt. Peter last evening, in fact I think we saw you leaving … had some good observation of what was probably the same “local Red Tail”, but we did catch one migrating Cooper’s Hawk.
It’s too bad we missed each other! It was a nice day to observe the locals and nice to hear you had an additional Coop in the evening. Maybe catch you next time. Matt
I was sorry to read that your day was not as productive as you hoped, Matt. My trip at the Liberty Loop was not as productive as I had hope it would be either. After lunch, Mary B. and I went to the black dirt. I had hopes of seeing your beautiful Rough-leg but came up empty. A large flock of Pipits and a few Eastern Meadowlarks were a happy consolation prize though! As always, your photos are beautiful!
A large flock of Am. Pipits would certainly be a good consolation prize. I’m sorry your trip at LL wasn’t as productive as you’d hoped – it’s amazing how much can change in a single day! Glad you enjoyed the pics. Matt