FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Mendota Hawk Report 9-12-07

[RonEHarrin@xxxxxxx]

It was a beautiful day at the tower with clear, blue skies, a cool, light 
breeze out of the West/northwest, and seasonable temperatures. I arrived and 
started watching at 9:30 a.m., followed by Tom Hunter (Lebanon, VA) who arrived 
at 
10:40 a.m. We stayed until 6:15 p.m. It was a "high sky day" which means that 
hawks riding high on the wind and/or thermals would be hard to see. This 
proved out as most of those seen were very high and some far out over the 
valley. 
The visibility was 30 miles or more, and the view was great. Unfortunately, 
only a few "early bird" Broad-wings showed up. We did have a better than 
average 
day for Ospreys. But they were also flying high and getting higher. 

Watching for these hawks sometimes is like waiting for the fish to bite. You 
have to be patient, and always remain confident for tomorrow. They'll be here 
eventually. So come on up and join us. Help us keep the Mendota Hawk Watch 
tradition alive. Weather permitting, the Broad-winged hawk flights will 
gradually 
increase and then peak sometime next week. Last year we counted 3558 
Broad-wings during the two weeks. In 2005 we counted 6303. And don't forget the 
Mendota Hawk Festival September 22. More details later.

Totals:

Broad-winged hawk:       5           YTD: 12
Osprey:                        4            YTD:  5
Am. Kestrel:                 0            YTD:  1
Sharp-shinned hawk:     0            YTD:  1

We also saw 5 Common Ravens doing their usual routine, and 2 local Red-tailed 
hawks paraded up and down the range. Approximately 8 Monarch Butterflies were 
seen. 

The Mendota Hawk Watch is held at the Mendota Fire Tower (Elevation 3020), 
located on Clinch Mountain at the Washington/Russell County line, 3 miles north 
of Mendota, VA. If you need directions let me know. Come join us and catch 
"hawk-watching fever." 

Ron Harrington
Bristol, VA


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