After a few days of rain and fog we finally got a decent day for
hawkwatching. The morning began with heavy fog but it soon cleared up. Winds
were mostly
coming out of the NW. We tallied 10 species of raptors including 47 Sharpies,
our highest number so far this fall. Predictions are for stronger NW winds and
lots of hawks. If you have some free time on Friday, or this weekend, think
about heading up to the knob and giving Tad a hand.
Thursday 10/13 Season totals to date
Osprey 3 127
Bald Eagle 2 33
N. Harrier 1 25
Sharp-shinned 47 258
Cooper's 2 41
N. Goshawk 0 0
Red-shouldered 1 4
Broad-winged 3 2562
Red-tailed 4 132
Golden Eagle 0 1
A. Kestrel 7 48
Merlin 1 9
Peregrine 0 8
Unknown 4 49
Total 75 3,297
Thanks to Dillard Childress, Bill James, Jim Hylton.... also Tim and Tammy
Helbing from Rome, Ga. for all of their help.
Mike Purdy
Roanoke
