Harvey's Knob
Roanoke, Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 20, 2009
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 14 188
Bald Eagle 1 19 74
Northern Harrier 1 2 14
Sharp-shinned Hawk 34 289 496
Cooper's Hawk 5 63 91
Northern Goshawk 0 1 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 8 13 17
Broad-winged Hawk 0 50 8195
Red-tailed Hawk 11 40 99
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 31 64
Merlin 1 6 12
Peregrine Falcon 0 4 16
Unknown Accipiter 0 1 3
Unknown Buteo 0 1 3
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 1 1
Unknown Raptor 0 1 2
Total: 62 536 9276
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Observation start time: 09:15:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Bill James
Observers: David Kirk, Norris Ford
Visitors:
Jim Elder from Lynchburg was lured to us by "The Contest" and the report of
a Goshawk yesterday. We could only provide a Merlin. He was a big help
today with spotting and tracking in the blue, blue sky. We discussed the
possibility of Lynchburg, the home town of our founder, participating in
the hawkwatch by possibly taking a day or two next year.
Weather:
The Nat'l Weather called for light and variable winds today; Winds Aloft
predicted "Calm" conditions at 3000 and 6000 feet and Aviation Weather was
similar. So I was surprised to find a "4" wind on the Knob this morning
and that it persisted until 1:00. This is better that a predicted wind
that does not materialize, of course. Despite the wind, nothing stirred,
not even a TV, until 11:25 when a group of Vultures arose and then birds we
count close behind.
Raptor Observations:
Lots of RS's it seemed and the first really migrating RT's.
Imm. BE at 1:22 who seemed fearful at seeing us and then took an immediate
left.
Non-raptor Observations:
Lots of trailer traffic and bikers and then a group of old cars. Leaves
close.
When the wind waned, Norris was obligated to get out his zapper for the
seemingly endless supply of stink bugs and gnats
Predictions:
With lost confidence in weather info, I predict a 50/50 flight - or better!
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Report submitted by Bill James (bijam@xxxxxxx)
Harvey's Knob Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://bijame.googlepages.com/home
