[va-bird] Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, VA Up-to-date stats

Lack of coverage and persistent weather patterns producing rain and fog are 
certainly reflected in out totals to date.  For now, we're plodding along 
hopeful for a good show of Red-tails along with the arrival of Red-shoulders.

As of today, October 26, a total of 298 hours have been logged at the hawk 
watch this season, compared to 425 hours same time last year.  Yes, we have 
had more than our share of inclement weather this season but the lack of 
coverage continues to be the primary factor in the significant lack of 
coverage that will in all probability mark it as the least time covered 
dating back to 1992 (246 hours).

Some of the total's to date are very disappointing and in some cases, 
surprising if not alarming (OS, BE, CH, ML).  The good news is we broke the 
Peregrine single day record and we had our third best day for AK.  Here's 
how some of the counts are going this year: (Figures in brackets represent 
15-year median from 2001.)

OS  - 99 [159] compared to 123 last year
BE - 14 [18] compared to 29 last year (A very big disappointment and 
surprise, especially after last year's sharp drop from the record high of 
47 in 2000.)
NH - 47 [77] compared to 52 last year
MK - 1 (only our second documented record for this species)
SS - 585 [962] compared to 746 last year
CH - 71 [119] compared to 206 last year
NG - 4 [3]  compared to 5 last year
RS - 5 [35] compared to 38 last year (No real cold weather to get them 
moving in big numbers.)
RT - 135 [668] - they're just now starting to move (Last year's total was 582.)
GE - [3] none to date compared to 3 last year
AK - 100 [94] tied with last year  Broke record for third best day with 53 
on 10/5.
ML - 6 [8]compared to 17 last year
PG - 22  [8] compared to 23 last year.  We tied single day record of 5 on 
10/5 and then broke it the following day with 6.

The BW total of 3650 [9012] is the lowest dating back to 1989 (3089).

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the season's first Golden Eagle and 
the big push of Red-tails.  The season will officially end on the Sunday 
before Thanksgiving.


Best wishes,

Brenda Tekin, Co-coordinator
Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, VA

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