FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Mendota Hawk Report

[RonEHarrin@xxxxxxx]

Hi Folks:
September 14, 2004 Summary: I was at the tower alone from 9:00 a.m. until 
5:30 p.m. It was a very slow day. I only had five Broad-winged hawks all day. 
The 
morning was mostly cloudy with heavy haze, but it cleared up later in the 
day. The wind was from the East at 5-10 mph, and it was cool. Nevertheless, I 
enjoyed the vista and the solitude. On the way up the trail I saw a 
Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak, and during the afternoon I enjoyed watching 7 Ravens in one group 
playfully flying up and down the ridge (According to my records and others I 
have spoken to, this is the largest group seen on the mountain in recent years. 
If anyone has a higher number, let me know).

September 15, 2004 Summary: The flying conditions improved considerably 
today. The skies were clear and the East wind, which was 10-15 mph in the 
morning, 
slacked off to a light breeze in the afternoon. Good thermals developed, and 
the haze also lifted, so visibility was 30 miles or so. Most birds were riding 
high and out over the North Fork Holston Valley. And we had more folks show up 
to help: Bob Quillen, Dr. Malcolm Jones, Ron Pendleton; and Violet and Harold 
Larkins down at the gap. The numbers for year-to-date are in parentheses:

Broad-winged Hawk:     237(629)
Sharp-shinned Hawk:     0 (4)
Cooper's Hawk:             1 (3)
Osprey:                        5 (11)
American Bald Eagle:    1 (3) 
Goshawk:                     0 (1)

Red-headed WP           1 (8)

Hawk Fever. Catch it and come visit us on the mountain.

Ron Harrington
Bristol, VA 


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