You may stay or leave after the release. At least one of the Rehabbers will be on hand a bit to answer questions. It isn't necessary, but we do appreciate donations from persons wishing to know how they can help, that might be made to Alix or Sherry, to continue their work. Alix alone has built additions to her facility on Signal Mountain recently, which provide for better flight training during rehabilitation. They must be large and able to contain the raptors she works with, while allowing the least amount of human imprinting on these wild birds. Raptors and Owls must be able to fly down and wing their way to catch food released for them, preferably live food, to assure they are able to see and chase and challenge their prey. Otherwise they can't survive back in the wild. Alix likes to release Broadies, during the migration, in hopes that they will join other migrants and continue South with them, and not chance them staying here during winter months. They need to be able to make the flight. We are so excited to have 2 be able to return to have their chance!
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Today was a South wind day. Gusts felt amazingly good, but buffeted the Hawks we saw - so much so, that we once saw 2 Broad-wings and an Eagle pushed north from a position south of us, to a position right above our heads. They managed to get high enough while circling to get out of the lower level winds, it seemed, because they set wings and flew SW. Later in the day we actually saw a Broad-wing fly NW, a very unusual sight, and almost were unwilling to count him, until he entered a thermal and 2 others joined him from the NE. They rose to the top, and off they flew into the WSW. Counted!!! None close enough that our owl might attract them to investigate.
Bill Haley joined us midday, and we were certainly glad to see him. We all took turns stepping from under the tent to look over it and to the South and West, since you can't see in all directions while sitting under it. But it was certainly a good thing to have in this ongoing heat.
Since lower clouds were moving NW, and upper clouds were almost stationary, it was a bit unlikely that early hawks were very high. NO LIFT. But as the thermals began to spin in the large billowing clouds of the afternoon, we felt like, if there were kettles we should see them. Yet all we saw were a few lone birds zipping past, wings pulled tightly to their sides, or high birds that vanished into blue skies between the clouds. Wind usually throws up dust into the air, that is not readily visible, until you see a hawk disappear into it. And at one point, we actually lost 2 Bald Eagles in it. It was a shame, because since they were moving along one of these almost W to E paths, we needed to stay on them to know if they were just locals headed to the lake for dinner, or if they continued south. So they didn't get counted.
What did get counted today was:
Sept. 16, 2016
19 Broad-wings
1 Adult Bald Eagle
2 Osprey
Numbers are still a bit low, and without a weather front in the next few days, may continue to have hawks spread out over a very large area, migrating one by one, so we have low counts. However, we have been surprised before. One thing has remained constant. When the Barometer is falling, we usually see Raptors flying.
Bill and I discussed today, how lucky we have been to have had a couple of great seasons. And I commented that one of the things which made out counts higher, was more eyes to the skies. When we have people looking in every direction at all times during the day, something impossible for 2 or 3 people to do, we miss fewer birds. So for the people who have helped us in past years...We owe a debt of gratitude.
We are just glad to be able to report to you this year, what we are able to see. And proud of our 24 year history. Starting in 1993. Through the years there were times when we weren't able to spend as many hours up there, and Bill's dedication with other members of the "count team" pulled out the numbers. We are just glad to be able, and Jimmy wants very much to make it through one more year, 2017 fall count, so we can say it was covered for 25 years. Wow, where did the time go? If anyone would like to spend a few years manning the site, please let us know, and we will train you. Or if you know someone. Please have them contact us.
We came home to an air-conditioner which is not working, so no relief from the heat today. UGH. Hopefully we can at least get it fixed here, No hope for the watch. LOL
BRING LOTS OF WATER if you come up! And your good humor.
And until then, or if you can't come, then wish us good birding and ...
KEEP LOOKING UP!
Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson
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