Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch
Waynesboro, Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 14, 2011
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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 4 83 323
Bald Eagle 4 35 121
Northern Harrier 0 15 36
Sharp-shinned Hawk 94 576 1166
Cooper's Hawk 18 91 178
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 4 5
Broad-winged Hawk 1 74 28784
Red-tailed Hawk 4 41 70
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 1 1
American Kestrel 19 48 233
Merlin 3 5 15
Peregrine Falcon 1 7 25
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 4
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 2
Total: 148 982 30965
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Observation start time: 10:30:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Rose Thomas
Observers: Vic Laubach
Weather:
Early morning was overcast, foggy and rainy. But the strong west winds blew
that away rather quickly, after two days of rain. Fierce W winds today
(50-61km/hr). Temp. 16.1-17.6C. Partly cloudy with high, mixed white and
dark grey clouds (up to 50% cloud coverage by 3pm). Clear visibility.
Raptor Observations:
With the strong W winds and clearing skies, the birds were itching to move
today! The wind made many birds, including a couple of the eagles, by
sideways! A great showing of Sharp-shinned Hawks and Cooper's. Some
Kestrels as well as one nice Peregrine and 3 Merlins. 4 Bald Eagles
(12:33pm juvenile, 1:40pm adult, and two adults at 3:15pm).
Non-raptor Observations:
Two riders on horses up at the tepee.
Some Monarchs were flying but was hard to find them among the many leaves
blowing by in the sky.
Predictions:
Mostly sunny with strong W winds. High 66F. It should be a fun day indeed!
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Report submitted by Vic Laubach (laubach@xxxxxxxxxxxx)
Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, VA information may be found at:
http://www.rockfishgaphawkwatch.org
