Mendota Fire Tower
Mendota, VA, Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 22, 2017
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 0 5 5
Bald Eagle 0 5 5
Northern Harrier 1 2 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 6 6
Cooper's Hawk 1 6 6
Northern Goshawk 1 3 3
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1141 6551 6551
Red-tailed Hawk 0 4 4
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 2 2
Merlin 0 1 1
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 1 1
Unknown Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 1145 6588 6588
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Ron Harrington
Observers: Amanda Bishop, Freddie Osborne, Matt Fleenor, Sam Evans
Visitors:
Marian Finucane was with again and assisted with the observations. Others
were David Prichard from North Carolina, Tom Zollman, Kingsport, Jack and
Nancy Kinkade of Kingsport.
Weather:
Another warm day with mostly sunny skies but with enough clouds to provide
a good backdrop throughout the day. Early morning found the winds calm,
visibility 10 miles or so. Moderate haze throughout. Wind was relatively
light and variable. From the S/SE at 5-10 mph in the am shifting to the
E/NE by early afternoon.
Raptor Observations:
Most hawks were counted between 9:00 and 12:00. After the thermals built up
they were flying high, often at the limit of unaided vision. Very slow in
the afternoon hours. A Cooper's hawk was observed harassing a Turkey
Vulture. Lots of Turkey and Black vultures.
Non-raptor Observations:
We counted 14 Monarch Butterflies. Other birds noted included E. Wood
Peewee, Phoebe, Titmouse, Bluejay, Eastern Towhee, Magnolia warblers (4)
and Ravens.
Predictions:
Another clear and sunny day with warm conditions, highs in the mid 80s.
Should provide good flying conditions. The Mendota Heritage Festival will
be going on. Drop by if you can for music, games, hawk watching information
and some home cooking.
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Report submitted by Ronald Eugene Harrington (roneharrin@xxxxxxx)
More site information at hawkcount.org:
http://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=706
