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*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 ------------------
----------- -------------- -------------- 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)*
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