The first half of the day was socked in with drizzly conditions and overcast skies. The raptor migration overall was quiet for this portion of the day, but as the day progressed the skies cleared of dark clouds. Moments later the sun began to shine. Raptors began to pour through.
Sharp-shinned Hawks took over the skies, fluttering high and low. Cooper's Hawks and aerodynamic Northern Harriers cut low over the fields. A smattering of Red-tailed Hawks and a few Red-shouldered Hawks pushed through. A few Merlin and American Kestrels flew their way southward. A juvenile Peregrine Falcon took hold of the blustery conditions and moved through with ease.
The winter finch flights of Pine Siskins and Purple Finches continues. As the early afternoon hours came around one very late Cattle Egret was spotted as were two Cave Swallows.
 |
| Adult Abietacola (northern race) Red-tailed Hawk. |
 |
| Cattle Egret. |
 |
| This Double-crested Cormorant flew by with a broken neck. |
 |
| Today's totals. |
Tomorrow's forecast is blustery northwest winds. There is a good potential for a strong raptor flight at the hawkwatch. Hope to see you there!
Erik Bruhnke
No comments:
Post a Comment