[Maine-birds] Fwd: Bradbury Mountain State Park (02 Apr 2024) 13 Raptors

Bradbury Mountain State Park
Pownal, Maine, USA

Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 02, 2024
Species	Day's Count	Month Total	Season Total
Black Vulture	0	0	0
Turkey Vulture	1	34	307
Osprey	2	4	5
Bald Eagle	2	4	26
Northern Harrier	4	6	18
Sharp-shinned Hawk	1	14	32
Cooper's Hawk	0	2	14
American Goshawk	0	0	0
Red-shouldered Hawk	1	2	24
Broad-winged Hawk	0	0	0
Red-tailed Hawk	1	4	34
Rough-legged Hawk	0	0	0
Golden Eagle	0	0	0
American Kestrel	0	6	6
Merlin	0	0	6
Peregrine Falcon	0	0	1
Unknown Accipiter	0	0	0
Unknown Buteo	0	0	0
Unknown Falcon	1	1	2
Unknown Eagle	0	0	0
Unknown Raptor	0	0	0
Total:	13	77	475

Observation start time:	08:00:00
Observation end time:	16:00:00
Total observation time:	8 hours
Official Counter	Zane Baker
Observers:	Ben Fortin, Biz Houghton, Dick Baker, Jen Baker, Jim Pinfold, Rich Fortin

Visitors:
16 visitors to the site today.

Weather:
The weather today was actually pleasant until the later part of the day. Despite dealing with E and eventually SE winds, standing on the summit was surprisingly comfortable. The afternoon winds from the SE increased in intensity a little and brought in a cooler breeze. Temps climbed into the 50's. Multiple different species of clouds were scattered about the sky, with some resebling flickering campfire flames. Visibility wasn't great, with a little haze and lots of heat distortion.

Raptor Observations:
Not much of a flight today and it's hard to say whether it was the wind direction or the approaching weather. Eagles were very active today. We had a great look at a mature pristine Eagle that was ready for a photo contest. Migrants were pretty spread out today, with some high, some far, and some right on top of us. The local Coop was out doing its moth-like displays.

Non-raptor Observations:
Not much happening with the passerines and non raptors. A few more Tree Swallows moved N and that was all I was able to detect. 4 Bohemian Waxwings were spotted by Jim, in a tree at the summit. The birds snuck in on us without detection, only sounding off upon departure.

Predictions:
With today's weather and so few birds, I don't suspect I will see much tomorrow either with a worsening forecast. I'm hoping I'm wrong and birds are out ahead of the front. With high winds gusting in from the E I am skeptical. Temps will be in the upper 30's with cloudy skies. Chances of rain and snow increase during the day but I think we may be on the mountain before being shut out.

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Report submitted by Jeannette Lovitch (freeportwildbird@yahoo.com)
Bradbury Mountain State Park information may be found at: www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/bradbury-mountain-hawkwatch
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]

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