Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch
Waynesboro, Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 29, 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 106 346
Bald Eagle 1 59 145
Northern Harrier 0 31 52
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1646 2236
Cooper's Hawk 0 206 293
Northern Goshawk 1 1 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 9 10
Broad-winged Hawk 0 80 28790
Red-tailed Hawk 6 111 140
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 2 2
American Kestrel 0 108 293
Merlin 0 14 24
Peregrine Falcon 0 9 27
Unknown Accipiter 0 1 3
Unknown Buteo 0 1 5
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 4
Total: 9 2388 32371
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 13:30:00
Observation end time: 14:45:00
Total observation time: 1.25 hours
Official Counter: Brenda Tekin
Observers:
Weather:
Winter has officially arrived! Winter storm moved in over night with first
measurable snow mixed in with fair amount of sleet with only 1-2 inches in
most of the immediate area. The snow/sleet fell throughout most of the
morning and by 11 a.m. (EST) patches of clearing sky. It would take a few
more hours before the upper elevations along the Blue Ridge began clearing
with several waves of thicker clouds zipping across the valley. At upper
elevations, the the moisture collected on the trees, crystalizing forming
silvery shimmering glaze. Temp at top of Afton was 36 for high and the
brisk NW winds made for a raw, bone-chilling afternoon. Temps tonight to
drop down in the 20's. BRrrrr.
Raptor Observations:
A few birds observed inbetween the clouds. Definite highlight was the
season's first NORTHERN GOSHAWK that emerged out of the mist heading toward
a circling Red-tail over teepee on north ridge. Initially, due to size, I
thought another Red-tail but the longish tail and overall shape was
definitely not buteo but a very large accipter. The goshawk appeared to be
an adult. It would fly up to the Red-tail and sort of ease off, not coming
into contact, fly back toward the red-tail, circled once and then headed
south crossing the interstate disappering into the mist of the low cloud
passing overhead. Interesting to note the goshawk seemed to manage the
brisk winds, unlike the one Sharp-shinned that appeared to be frantically
flapping to gain some sort of control as it was blown across the gap.
At 2:21 p.m. EST a Bald Eagle with wings pulled continued on it's way
heading SW, seemingly undeterred by the brisk winds.
Non-raptor Observations:
Several waves of Black Vultures streaming through, heading due south!
I don't recall seeing snow-covered ridges with trees still with fall
colors. It was a sight to see that was also enjoyed by many visitors to
the ridgetop.
Predictions:
Sunny and cold start. Winds hopefully will diminish and a bit warmer as
day progresses. Those Red-tails should be motivated by now!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Brenda Tekin (brenda@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, VA information may be found at:
http://www.rockfishgaphawkwatch.org
