Harvey's Knob
Roanoke, Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 14, 2020
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 14 49 79
Bald Eagle 20 41 70
Northern Harrier 1 2 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 11 32
Cooper's Hawk 4 9 17
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 4 10
Broad-winged Hawk 206 265 291
Red-tailed Hawk 6 30 58
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 4 11 13
Merlin 0 1 1
Peregrine Falcon 1 2 4
Unknown Accipiter 1 2 2
Unknown Buteo 0 1 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Mississippi Kite 1 1 2
Total: 265 429 582
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Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:45:00
Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Bob Epperson
Observers: Barry Kinzie, Bill James, Darryl Martin, Dave Brunstetter,
John Pancake, King & Joann Irvin,
Kristine & Andrew Newcomb, Matt Hosmer, Mitch Mitchell ,
Phillip Ferguson, Tim & Sue Coleman
Visitors:
Busy place today with anticipation realized. Lots of bird spotting help
from a nice turn-out of regulars. Garland Kitts photographed many raptors.
A Mercedes Sprinter conversion van rolled into the parking lot with full
display of custom-built sleeping quarters, interior shower, and even a
kitchen sink.
Weather:
Gradually decreasing cloud cover starting at 95% and ending with 25%, and
hazy until late afternoon. Warm temperatures ranging from 72 to 78 F. Winds
mostly NW, initially to 5-8 mph, decreasing to 3-5 mph for the afternoon,
and mostly calm by the end of the watch.
Raptor Observations:
Multiple highlights today made for a very memorable watch. 1) An immature
Mississippi Kite was seen at 10:25 AM, first picked up far to the N/NE, and
observed for several minutes as it moved south, then, turned southeast and
flew directly over the watch site. 2) Total of 20 Bald Eagles set a record
for second highest daily total since 1977; current record is 21 BE for a
single day. 3) First strong Broad-winged Hawk flight of the season with 206
birds total, including multiple kettles, largest with 76 birds. 4) Eleven
species of raptors seen at the overlook today, including a Northern Harrier
at 11:46 AM, only the second of the season.
Bald Eagles: 10 adults (10:24 AM, 12:09 AM, 12:15 PM, 12:56 PM, 1:29 PM,
1:30 PM. 1:33 PM, 1:36 PM, 1:50 PM, and 3:22 PM), 9 immatures (9:59 AM,
10:01 AM, 10:34 AM, 11:38 AM, 12:12 PM, 12:40 PM, 12:59 PM, 3:22 PM, and
3:31 PM), and 1 un-aged bird at 2:20 PM.
First raptor was a Peregrine Falcon seen zipping down the east side at 9:47
AM. Last bird was a single BW at 4:25 PM. One or more local Red-tailed
Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations:
Total of 41 species tallied on eBird list for the day, including YB Cuckoo,
Chimney Swifts, Tree and Barn Swallows, Northern Flicker, Blue-headed
Vireo, Cedar Waxwing, and Scarlet Tanager. A Barred Owl was heard calling
downslope at 3:26 PM.
Predictions:
Good weather conditions with NE winds and less cloud cover may yield a nice
flight tomorrow. More raptors and more cantaloupe salad, bring binoculars,
bowl, and spoon.
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Report submitted by Bob Epperson (ecoland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Harvey's Knob information may be found at:
http://bijame.googlepages.com/home
More site information at hawkcount.org:
http://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=482
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