Mendota Hawk Watch Report for 9/21/06 It was a very slow day at the Mendota Hawk Watch today. We only picked up 58 Broad-winged hawks and nothing else. This is somewhat surprising because this time is considered as the "peak day" for the Broad-winged hawk migration. Regular observers included Bob Quillen, Ron Harrington, Tom Hunter and Ted Dingler. Others who showed up to help were Ken Turner, Marion Finucane, Steve Hopp, Jean Montgomery, and Marilyn Godby. Visitors today were Gene and Catheryn Sturgeon; and Jack and Phyllis Anderson. It was cold early, with temperatures in the low 40s and a stiff breeze from the east/southeast. The sky was mostly sunny with a few high clouds and vapor trails, then the winds died out, the cloud cover increased, and the few birds that were going by just stopped around 5:00 p.m. The highlight of the day was a flight of what appeared to be White Ibis (six) circling out over the valley to the northwest. Later a Black vulture landed in the tower, and began "people counting." Needless to say that those sitting under the tower moved over very quickly less they get a "white spot" or two. 9/17 9/18 9/19 9/20 9/21/06 YTD Broad-winged Hawk: 1,152 261 241 368 58 3,281 Osprey: 1 0 0 0 0 9 Cooper's Hawk: 4 0 4 0 0 12 Northern Harrier: 1 0 0 0 0 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk: 3 4 5 4 0 23 Am. Bald Eagle: 0 1 0 0 0 3 Am. Kestrel: 2 1 3 3 0 11 Merlin: 0 1 0 0 0 1 Peregrine Falcon: 1 0 1 1 0 3 Other: YTD Red-headed WP: 2 Double-crested Cormorant: 2 The Mendota Hawk watch is sponsored by the Bristol Bird Club. The site is located atop Clinch Mountain, three miles north of Mendota, VA. This is on the Washington/Russell County line. Elevation: 3020 feet. Come join in the fun and catch the fever! If you need directions let me know. Ron Harrington Compiler/Coordinator