September got off to a good start today with 34 raptors counted.
Highlights were 8 BALD EAGLES and 11 OSPREY. Our youngest hawkwatcher, Cory
Goff, 15,
was the official counter for the first time and he did a great job! Cory,
Baron found your thermometer in the maple tree after you left and it's in his
car.
Around 6:30 a flock of about 30 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS flew over the knob.
The biggest surprise came late, after most everyone had left. Baron and
Tina Gibson and I were the last holdouts. Every time we got ready to leave
another eagle or osprey would sail by so we would stay a little longer. The
Gibson's dog, Skye, started growling while staring at the weeds on the west
side of
the ridge. Suddenly a good sized Black Bear peered above the weeds about 10
ft. from where we were sitting. Skye barked and the bear scrambled back down
the
ridge.
Osprey - 11
Bald Eagle - 8
Harrier - 1
Sharpie - 4
Broadwing - 1
Redtail - 4
Kestrel - 2
Unidentified - 3
Total 34
Mike Purdy
Roanoke
