[va-bird] Kiptopeke Hawkwatch, monthly summary

Hola Birders,
Today's count of 11 raptors rounded out a lack luster October count period that 
started off with so much promis.  In October, counts of 13 raptors and 2 
vultures totaled no less than 11,184 during 292 hours of observation.  This 
number does not represent the entire movement of raptors across the Eastern 
Shore this October, it is mearly a small sample. The daily average works out 
roughly to be 361 birds a day or 38 raptors per hour of observation. 

Our peak count for the month (and season and past two years) occured on October 
5.  On that day 1,949 raptors and vultures were counted (along with 260 
visiting individuals!).  We had plus 1000 days on the First(1,286) the Third 
(1409) and Fifth.  On those three days 45% of the total monthly count 
accumulated.  Excluding the October 1st, 3rd and 5th just over 5000 birds were 
seen in the month of October and on those other 28 days the average count was 
162 birds per day.  During that period 9 days had counts of less than 100.

Here's the break down for monthly activety followed by season totals:
TUVU: 1401, 1501
BLVU: 472, 603
OSPR: 770, 1685
BAEA: 74, 117
NOHA: 263, 420
SSHA: 3716, 4852
COHA: 1319, 1769
RSHA: 26, 29
BWHA: 399, 989
RTHA: 187, 208
SWHA: 2, 2
GOEA: 6, 6
AMKE: 1248, 2614
MERL: 849, 1593
PEFA: 442, 693
UnAccip: 10, 15
Total: 11184, 17096

During October 2003,  11591 raptors were counted during 283 hours of 
observation.  During that month comparatively more Ospreys, Bald Eagles, 
Harriers, Sharpies, Broadwings and Kestrels were counted.  Also during that 
month, comparatively fewer Vultures, Coops, Redshoulders, Redtails Golden 
Eagles, Merlins and Peregrines were tallied.

During October 2002, 8529 raptors were counted during 254 hours of observation. 
 During that month only Kestrel numbers were greater than this year's October 
count.  All other species counts were lower.

Please check out www.hawkcount.org for more detailed info on our count data.

Good day and Good birding, 
-Sam Stuart

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