Will This Be Bill's last day to count?

We drove through Bill's church parking lot, yesterday, and missed seeing him among the many students waiting to present in the Soddy Daisy Parade.  But we are surprised he even tried to go through the traffic to get to the hawk watch. With December well underway, it seems the count is almost over:

"Soddy Mountain, TN, Sun., Dec. 2, 2018

Coverage: 1530-1630 = 1.0 hr.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clear. Wind SW 5-10 @ 1530, increasing to SW 10-20 @ 1600. Temperature 72-71F. Barometric pressure 29.70, falling to 29.69. Visibility 20 K. Humidity 23%.

Raptors: 0

I got a very late start on this beautiful, unseasonably warm afternoon. Today was quite a change from the past two dreary, rainy days. Our church is right on the route of the Soddy-Daisy, TN Christmas parade. I helped hand out snacks and drinks to parade-goers and band members who form up at the church prior to the parade. Couldn't get loose until after 3:00, which is already too late for a hawk flight this deep into the season. I hoped for a late day migrant, and it didn't happen. The only birds seen were a few TV's lazily drifting back to their roosts at day's end. 

This may very well be my last report from Soddy Mountain this year. If weather patterns turn out the way the meteorologists predict, next weekend - my last chance, may be wet both days. Definitely not the way I wanted fall 2018 to end!

Christmas counts start Sat., Dec. 15.

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

Bill has put in the hours, and the count is a great one.  It isn't officially at the final numbers until Dec 31, but if Bill doesn't return, we can't say he eeked out every possible hour!

 

A few days ago, I was with my daughter picking up my grandson, at school east of the watch, and I looked up to dozens of vultures gathering to on spot in the sky, and spiraling out of sight in the heights, only to have a new group gather to the same spot and sour to unviewable heights. I couldn't help but wonder if that could have been seen from the watch. But I also wondered if that was the big day for movement.  Nothing says they will always move within the viewing area of the hill, so it's always the luck of the flight paths.  And Bill had a lot of luck and good flights this year. 

 

Until, the weekend when we see if there might be a few more to add, but things are now focused on the holidays.  And I will post any new emails from Bill, but may be a few days after the first to do the final stats, and post the Hawkcount final chart.

 

Whether, for hawks or any other bird, we hope you counters have some great counts this holiday season!!!

KEEP LOOKIN UP!!!

Deep Fog On Hawk Watch Hill

Sunday was enchanting at the hawk watch for Bill on Sunday. Not because of the Hawk Count, but be. cause there couldn't be a hawk count.  What we always say, is zero is a number, and being there to know why 0 hawks could be counted is data. NO DATA is STILL DATA.  It's part of the record, even when it's zero.  And keeping the weather data has indications about which we've talked before, like wind and rain and barometer will affect flight.  I have been there once, on a day like Bill's day Sunday, and found it as inspiring as Bill did Sunday.  So when there aren't hawks, being able to collect weather evidence is equally important.

But Speaking of numbers, please note Bill's email where he did what I've been doing, and referenced the stats from the past, and did a comparison to earlier years.  He found for himself how the number play out!  Be sure to read the results at the bottom of the page!

"Soddy Mountain, TN, Sun.
 Nov. 25, 2018

Coverage: 1145-1215= 0.5 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

  Raptor Total: 0

Weather: Dense fog. Visibility less than 100 feet. Wind calm. No readings for temp., baro or humidity.

It was foggy in the valley when I got out of church but I decided to drive up to the lookout since it would probably be my last chance in November. Sometimes it can be cloudy down low, but more clear atop the mountains.

Conditions were definitely different at the lookout, the fog was twice as bad. I was truly inside a very dense cloud! From where I always sit, I could faintly see the pole, less than 100 feet away. I couldn't see the house across the road, or the fence around it, which is much closer. I could hear the traffic on Hwy. 111 below me, but I couldn't see it. It was by far the thickest fog I've experienced this year. I gave up after 30 minutes.

I will send some photos.

Reporting: William G. Haley Jr."

 

Let me share Bill's pictures with you ~ beautiful shots!

About 30 - 40 feet away from the pole.
 

View from where I sit, if you look closely you might be able to see the pole.



Grass seed heads were covered in water droplets

This is my favorite, Bill says. A dew-covered funnel web.


Don't Forget to keep looking to the bottom,  Bill's shows where our record stands!!!

Bill comments: I kind of like this shot of tall Indian Grass in front of fog-shrouded pines.
I like it too, Bill.
 

Looking Directly at Sue's House 



Looking over the edge of the bluff. Hey. 111 is right down there...Somewhere.

All the pictures above are by William G. Haley, all rights reserved.

 

 

Jimmy and Cynthia,

"I've been looking through past statistics on the Soddy Mountain Hawk Watch blog, comparing them to this fall. (Seems I like numbers. Who would have thunk it?) You might find them interesting. I looked specifically at Broad-winged Hawk totals and season totals for all 26 years. While nowhere near our top year of 2015,  it turns out 2018 ranks higher than I would have guessed.

Broad-winged Hawk, top totals:

#1. 2015: 8135

#2. 2009: 5242

#3. 2002: 5073

#4. 2012: 4807

#5. 2018: 3643

Season totals, all raptors:

#1. 2015: 8618

#2. 2002: 6748

#3. 2009: 5511

#4. 1995: 5290

#5. 2012: 4905

#6. 2003: 4861

#7. 2018: 4524

It was a bit of a surprise that 2018's BW total was our 5th best out of 26 years! As for season totals, I still hope to add a few more hawks this year, but it is doubtful I'll see enough to move up above 7th best ever.

Bill"

 

As soon as the numbers neared 4500, I knew that we were getting up there.  I like that he went ahead and listed the top numbers out - so easy to see the results as we near the end of season. What difference might 1 month more make? Maybe not much, but a top 5 BW count, and a top 7 all time count, is OK by me.

 

Thanks Bill for all those hours when you dedicated your time to

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

 

Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson

 

Largest #s In THE COUNTRY

Bill sent a note and mentioned that he noticed something cool on the Hawkcount.org site.  Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  May your Holidays be amazing, and fun. Blessings to all.

Preparations will be underway for Christmas bird counts, and the focus will turn from mirgrant counts by Christmas. But until then, Bill can add a few more birds to the YTD if he has a few hours this month. Because the season isn't over until he says he's done. Again, we don't post the final until after the first of the new year. WOW! Almost 2019 shakes me up. 

Here's Bill's note:

"Jimmy and Cynthia;

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. Just checked HawkCount and want to thank you for getting it up to date. I know it has been rough for you Jimmy. I pray you are getting better and stronger every day.

Don't know if you realized it or not, but on Nov. 16 Soddy Mountain had the biggest total birds (112) of any reporting hawk lookout in the entire COUNTRY! On Nov. 18 we were second, bested only by a site in Minnesota I never heard of prior to that.

Also see we've finally made it over 4500 for the season. I will go up there tomorrow after church, so maybe will be able to add a little more in November. 

It's back to work Monday, and it may be next weekend before I can make it up there again - to see what comes by in December. We are getting down to the wire, but I'm not quite ready to call it quits yet. I think I can squeeze a few more hawks out this season! 

Can't believe the Red-tails have stopped short of us again!!! I thought for sure all the pieces of the puzzle were there this year to trigger a good flight past Soddy Mountain. The locals have been very active and I've witnessed lots of pair bonding behavior. Very often I've seen 3-4 flying together. Remember how we used to see the locals get up and escort migrants out of their territories?  This year it's almost like they are throwing a welcoming party for migrants and nobody's showing up for the party. They are beautiful, magnificent birds, but I'm tired of looking at the locals. I'd rather see RT's passing on through, headed south.

Bill"

 

Here's hoping for some good weather, on his last hours up there, when he can eek them out.

 

Blessings ALL!!!

Keep Looking UP!!!

283 Cedar Waxwings and a MIlipede! Slow day...

"Soddy Mountain, TN hawk totals
Fri., Nov. 23, 2018

 

Coverage: 0915-1215 = 3.0 hrs. 

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: 100% clouds (thin, sun could be seen through them. Wind SSW 2-10. Visibility 20-35k. Temperature 35-46 F. Other readings not available.

Hawks by hour:

0900: 0

1000: NH 1, CH 1

1100: RT 1

1200: 0

Totals:

11/23/18 

Northern Harrier 1

Cooper's 1

Red-tailed 1

_______________ 

Total: 3

Tough day with 100% clouds. Cloud cover was thin and you could see the sun, but only strong enough to cast dim shadows. After an hour, I  despaired of seeing any hawks, so it was a treat to see a Northern Harrier clear the north ridge. It is one species that is always a possibility on a marginal, cloudy day. Later on in the hour an adult Cooper's Hawk came through, and then a Red-tail during my last hour. It was nice to get three countable hawks when I feared getting skunked!

 

Other sightings: 

Field Sparrow - partially leucistic bird with white outer tail feathers. It was right beside a normally-plumaged Field Sparrow and was seen well.

American Crow: flocks of 34 and 29. Larger numbers than I usually see. 63 total.

Sandhill Crane 4 

American Robin 160 

 

Cedar Waxwing 283 

 

Young 1" millipede, probably Narceus americanus, feeding on a ladybug I squashed yesterday. 

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

Got a little hard today to

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!!

Note: Jimmy found 2 Bald Eagles that were in the dialogue that failed to make the count, so he has edited the Bald Eagle count by +2.  Making the adjustment.  He says our numbers match.

 

 

Thanksfiving Day Report

Thanks for the Holiday Report, Bill:

Bill's ladder back chair, and worn spot on the watch.
He says it's quite a bit different than during BW season.
Pic by Bill Haley

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
Thurs., Nov. 22, 2018

Coverage: 0945-1345 = 4.0 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds 5%-10% (all south of lookout). Wind ENE 2-8 mph. Barometric pressure 30.40, gradually going down to 30.35. Humidity 68%-43%. Visibility 45-50K.

Raptors by hour: 

0900: 0

1000: TV 19, RS 1

1100: CH 1, RT 2

1200: BE 1 (ad.)

1300: SS 1

Turkey for Turkey day. LOL
Bill Haley

Raptor totals:

11/ 22 /18

Turkey Vulture 19

Bald Eagle 1

Sharp-shinned 1

Cooper's 1

Red-shouldered 1

Red-tailed 2

_______________

Total raptors: 25

Other sightings:

Sandhill Crane 32

American Robin 48

Cedar Waxwing 102

Buck Moth 1 (first one seen this fall)

Question Mark butterfly 2

Reporting: William G. Haley Jr."

 

Fall Migration Season is winding down, but not over,  Soon Bald Eagles will build nests, and mate. The chart below is a clip from the Hawkcount.org page, showing the counts reported  on thanksgiving day.  NOTE the numbers from Cape May NJ.  364 Raptors!

 

Count totals reported on Thanksgiving Day to Hawkcount.org

 

It's pretty cold, but 25 migrating Raptors call out:

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!

Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson

 

 

 

JInxed and Not JInxed, 2 Reports in One

Well I Jinxed Bill last report. so sorry. NO MIGRANTS TUESDAY.

"Soddy Mountain
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 

Coverage: 1400-1500 = 1.0 hr.

Counter: Bill Haley

Raptors: 0

Weather: Clouds 100%. Wind NW 10-20. Temperature 49F. Barometric pressure 30.21. Visibility 60 K. Humidity 56%.

Weathermen predicted clouds would clear out. It didn't happen, so I didn't expect much. Saw a few local vultures, but nothing migrating. Will hope for sunshine and hawks tomorrow.

Reporting: William G. Haley Jr"

 

But, they were up and flying by the next day!

 

'Soddy Mountain hawk totals

Wed., Nov. 21, 2018

Coverage: 0915-1430 = 5.25 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clear all day, 0 clouds. Wind NW 2-4 @ 0915, increasing to 5-10 @ 1000, changing to NNW 2-4 @ 1200 and for rest of day. Temperature 38-53F. Barometric pressure 30.35 @ 0915, increasing to 30.37 @ 1100, and then falling to 30.30 by 1400. Visibility 50-60K.

Raptors by hour: 

0900: BE 1 (ad.)

1000: BE 1 (ad.), CH 1

1100: BE 2 (both ad.), RT 1

1200: TV 5, RT 2

1300: RT 2

1400: 0

Raptor totals:

11/21/18 

Turkey Vulture 5

Bald Eagle 4

Cooper's 1

Red-tailed 5

_____________

Total raptors: 15 

Other sightings: 

Common Loon 2

Sandhill Crane 201

Cedar Waxwing 95

American Robin 69

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr"

 

Hope everyone Had a nice Holiday.   I will catch up  again tonight, with more stats.

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!!

Add a few Gold-crowned Kinglets to Your Hawkwatching

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
 Mon., Nov. 19, 2018

Coverage: 0930-1400 = 4.50 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds 5% @ 0930, 10% 1000 till 1200, 20% @ 1200, 75% @ 1300, 95% when I had to leave due to rain @ 1400. Wind SE 2-5 mph @ 0930, changing to SSW 2-8 @ 1100, and gradually increasing to SSW 10-20. Temperature 45-64 F. Barometric pressure started 30.17 and gradually went down to 30.09.

Humidity 86%-53%.

Raptors by hour:

0900: 0

1000: 0

1100: TV 20, SS 1, CH 1

1200:TV 9, BE 2 (both 2nd yr.), SS 1, RT 1

1300: SS 1

 

Raptor totals:

 

11/19/2018 

Turkey Vulture 29

Sharp-shinned 3

Cooper's 1

Red-tailed 1

_______________ 

  Raptor Total = 34

Typically, SW or W winds produce poor hawk flights at Soddy Mountain, especially when they are strong, like the latter part of today. Steadily increasing clouds didn't help. Rain ended the day @ 1400.

You may remember my experiments on "hawk bait" back during the Broad-winged flight in September. My peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches had remarkable success pulling in Bald Eagles and Broad-wings to count. I didn't have much to make sandwiches from today, so it was the old standard. I decided I'd eat my sandwich after I saw the first hawks. Before I could finish it, here came two 2nd year Bald Eagles 5 minutes apart, the first of which had more white, upper and lower, than any this year. Also 5 Turkey Vultures and a Red-tail. Wish I'd had another peanut butter and dill pickle sandwich!

 

Other sightings:  

American Robin 218, Cedar Waxwing 142. Had 2-3 Golden-crowned Kinglets in pines 10 feet away at edge of bluff.

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

The Rain this year, continues to cut into the counting time. But this week continues to be productive. There have been days Jimmy and I sat with others and never saw a single hawk.  Bill continues to have countable migrants. 

 

Missing the watch this year, and the good company.  Jimmy has not felt well, so he may not have Hawk-count caught up, but when he does, I will try and post a link or a copy of the recent totals. They verify my numbers, since their computers post updated numbers.

 

Tomorrow is expected to be sunny with winds out of the north. Low mph winds.  Might produce a good flight. 

Good Luck Bill.

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

Red-Tailed Hawks on the Move

Bill says he counted 40 Vultures passing over the pole when he took this pic.
And if you zoom in on this picture you might see at least 3 images of vultures streaming past.
But this is a good representation of Hawkwatching.  To the naked eye, it seems like just blue skies and clouds.
With Binoculars, it's a different story!

Soddy Mountain hawk totals
Sun., Nov. 18, 2018

Coverage: 1115-1600 = 5.75 hr.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds 85% @ 1115, 70% @ 1200, 50% for rest of day. Wind calm @ 1115, S 1-2 @1200, SW 2-5 1400-1600. Temperature 45 - 61F. Barometric pressure 30.30 falling gradually to 30.19. Visibility 20K @ 1115  (very hazy over valley), gradually increasing to 30K. Humidity 54-51%.

Raptors by hour:

1100: SS 1

1200: 0

1300: TV 65, RT 4

1400: TV 109, RT 2

1500: TV 10, RT 4

Raptor totals:

11/18/18 

Turkey Vulture 184

Sharp-shinned 1

Red-tailed 10
_________________

Total raptors: 195

Cloud cover early, finally cleared enough for thermals to form after 1300. Sharpie was first hawk of the day. Turkey Vultures streamed through in small groups most of the afternoon, but a close kettle of 44 over the north ridge at 1456 was a nice surprise. Red-tailed Hawks are starting to show up, and I expect their numbers to increase in the coming days.

Makes me wonder what came by yesterday when sun was out all day?

Other sightings: While the early part of the day was hawk-poor, other migrants that don't rely on thermals put on a show. Between 1115 and 1200, I counted 358 American Robins (including flocks of 85, 77 and 78) and 303 Cedar Waxwings! However, my favorite migrant was one Common Loon - a rare sighting at Soddy Mountain.

I will man the lookout every day the coming week, weather permitting. Can't wait to see what else shows up!

Butterflies: 4-5 Question Marks - a butterfly that overwinters as an adult.

Other insects: It warmed up enough for ladybugs to fly, although in much less numbers than the last time I was there.

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr.

 

 

Good November numbers. Exciting that a few days of sun means more to come.' Only 5 more birds and Bill's numbers top 4,500 Hawks counted for this fall season.  He obviously stands at 4,445, if my prelim numbers verify. Way to GO!
 

 Just crossed the 91,000 Hawks mark for all seasons....91,062 All Season Total!
 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

Vultures Take the Day!

Northern Snows and 4 days of rain here, should be sending good numbers of what's left up north scedattling South.  Did you ever have a parent use that word?  Means to get yourself up and go!  They should be happy to find some southern warmth.  The migrants --- hawks that is.

Bill had a good day, maybe not as exciting as he expected, but good!

Here's his report:

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals,

Fri., Nov. 16, 2018

Coverage: 0915 - 1500 = 5.75 hr.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds thin cirrus / stratus 25% @0915, gradually increasing to 50% by 1400. Wind SSW 2-5 mph @ 0915, changing to ESE @ 1100, and SE 2-8 mph @ 1200 till 1500. Barometric pressure 30.23, decreasing to 30.16. Temperature 33-50 F.

Raptors by hour:

0900: 0

1000: BV 16, SS 1, RT 1

1100: NH 1

1200: TV 15, RS 1, RT 3

1300: TV 18, RT 2

1400: TV 54

Total raptors:
11/16/2018 

Black Vulture 16

Turkey Vulture 87

Northern Harrier 1

Sharp-shinned 1

Red-shouldered 1

Red-tailed 6
___________________ 

Total Raptors: 112  

Other species: Sandhill Crane 140, Cedar Waxwing 40, heard Golden-crowned Kinglets.

While it wasn't as good a flight as I had hoped for after 4 days of rain, there were birds moving in response to wintry weather conditions north of Tennessee. Since clouds didn't clear till late last night, most birds may not have had time to get this far south. Tomorrow may be very good. Unfortunately, I cannot be there tomorrow, so I will have to pick back up Sunday afternoon and whenever possible next week.I think there are still many birds to count.

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

I believe these are the first Black Vultures counted.  I rather like that he also had 140 Sandhills.  For those who don't join counts this time of year, you can count Vultures and have them turn back North, so it's sometimes a challenge to watch them out of sight, but in general most are at least doing the shift South thing.  Even if large numbers of them are gathering but not moving on. So as I said, it can be a challenge to know which to count. BUT....when they are really on the move, they just keep getting it, and you know pretty soon.  So I am hoping Bill had a lot of groups moving through with determination today in this cold.

 

Thanks for this report.

We have an excellent YTD already, and this only enhances the value of this year's numbers! YTD is now 4250 hawks.

 

Wish some one of you could go up tomorrow...

 

It might be a great day to

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

 

Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson

A Veteran Twice Over and More Hawks on the Horizon

Bill continues to find time to count on the watch, and we believe most birders would love a nice cool day on the hill counting the birds we wouldn't let you count earlier in the year. LOL It's Red-Tail, Vulture, and Northern Harrier prime time now.  Hopefully, a Golden Eagle might find it's way into the count. Bill reminds us...

"The raptor migration is an event spread out over three months each fall. It continues through November, and sometimes even spills over into December a bit. As the weather gets colder up north, Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles and possibly even Northern Goshawks, Rough-legged Hawks  or Golden Eagles will be forced south. Soddy Mountain lookout will be covered when I’m able and the weather allows. The season’s not over until I say it is over!

 

Nov. 10-11 is my weekend to work at the Tennessee Aquarium. I’m sad I couldn’t man the hawk lookout on either Saturday or Sunday, which featured bright blue skies following some rainy days. Snow around the Great Lakes and generally bad wintry weather up north probably has some hawks moving south. I will have to work through Wednesday, Nov. 14, but will be off starting Thursday, Nov. 15. I may not be able to get up there Thursday, as the weathermen are predicting rain. I will be there on Friday, Nov. 16 all day if conditions are favorable. No coverage Saturday, Nov. 17.  I’ll be out of town all day. On Sunday, Nov. 18, I’ll be there after church, around 12:30. I will be on vacation Nov. 19-25, and will be there when I can, possibly taking a break on turkey day.  The late season flight has been disappointing the last couple of years, but the 2018 weather patterns seem to be conducive for more hawks to migrate south this year. Stay tuned for some late season numbers at Soddy Mountain. I’m looking forward to bundling up and seeing what comes past! If you visit the lookout, dress warm.

 

Since I’m writing this on Veterans Day, I’d like to publicly thank Jimmy Wilkerson,  one of my very favorite veterans. Jimmy served in the Viet Nam War. He and I have shared many very memorable hawk days on the lookout, as well as numerous Christmas Counts over the years. Thank you for your service Hawk Man Jimmy! Sadly his health has kept him mostly off the lookout this year but I miss him and his jokes very much. Also a big thank you to any veteran who may be reading this on the Soddy Mountain blog.

 

Bill Haley"

 

Thank You Bill.
 

Jimmy served with the 101st Airborne, whose symbol might have been a bit of a foretelling of what would become his birding passion.  His love of hawk-watching. And we have you to thank for that.  I have always been a bird watcher, since childhood. And though Jimmy became interested in birds when he began feeding them for my sake, he became totally engaged with being able to participate in a way that made a difference, when you opened his world to raptor migration counts.
 

He now can say he is also a veteran Hawk watcher, and I believe he would hold it among his greatest life pursuits.
 

We also wish all Veterans and their families the very best in life.  WE GRATEFULLY THANK EACH ONE. Our son also is a veteran, peacetime, thankfully, who loved the Marines.

We have a neighbor whom we've watched from his youth to become a young adult , who on this special weekend stopped by in his army uniform to share with us his excitement at having gone through his Basic and AIT training and is entering Ranger training with great pride.  What a joy to hug him on this Veterans weekend. And he and Jimmy shared uniforms, todays compared to the 1970 Vietnam one.  Both enthralled with sharing the changes and the likenesses of their experiences.  Only they who've been through it could relate as they did.

Looking forward to more numbers for the month of November, and seeing the changes in species which prefer the late migration movement.  There can still be significant changes in the numbers.  Even if Bill had not been able to announce more days on the watch, we never call the season's end until December 31st, just in case! Take note of the new expected times Bill is giving us, or set yourself down for a few on the watch yourself, and send us the numbers!

Looking forward to some wonderful Holidays. Precious days with family and friends. Thankful to you all for continuing to keep watch on the Soddy Mountain Hawk Watch experience!

Keep LOOKING UP!!!!

 

 

 

Every Bird Counts!

Amidst these rainy days, a few beautiful skies have smiled.  Bill found a little time to head up to the watch, and pulled out this report for Tuesday.

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
 Tues., Nov. 6, 2018

Coverage:

1430-1530

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds 2% @ 1430, increasing to 20% @ 1530. Wind WNW 2-8. Temperature 68-71 F. Barometric pressure 29.99-30.00. Visibility 60K.

Hawks by hour:

1400: SS 1, RT 1

1500: 0

Hawks:

10/06/18

Sharp-shinned 1

Red-tailed 1

_____________ 

Total Raptors = 2

     The big story today was ladybugs. Not just a few ladybugs. Not hundreds. Thousands of ladybugs! It happens every year as the weather turns colder. Ladybugs swarm, looking for a snug spot to spend the winter. I continually shook ladybugs off my clothes, hat, binoculars and hands. They found my hat to be an attractive landing field and it sounded like I was being pelted by rain. They crawled down my neck and under my shirt. Ladybugs everywhere! If you've never been assaulted by a horde of ladybugs, here is a word to describe them. STINKY! With ladybugs all over you there are casualties, and squashed ladybugs stink. Do ladybugs bite? YES they do. They are beetles with mandibles and I got bit a couple times today.

      As a hawkwatcher I've trained myself to stop at dark spots as I scan the sky. Thousands of little flying specks made scanning a challenge today. Thank goodness a Sharp-shin and Red-tail showed up to represent for the hawks and keep me from getting skunked!

Monarch butterfly 1

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

Every day I have a few minutes to be outside, I am finding myself searching the skies, because I know that especially as cold weather knocks on the door, it still pays to

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

The Day Before Halloween, The GRAY GHOST Arrives

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals,
Tues., Oct. 30, 2018

Coverage, (all times EST): 

1030-1230 = 2.0 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds 50%-60%. Wind ENE 1-4. Temperature 50 - 56 F. Barometric pressure 30.25, decreasing to 30.22. Humidity 83%-49%. Visibility 65 K.

Raptors by hour:

1000: NH 1, SS 2

1100: SS 1, CH 1

1200: NH 2

Hawk totals:

10/30/18 

Northern Harrier 3 (1 male, "gray ghost"!)

Sharp-shinned 3

Cooper's 1

___________
Raptor Total  = 7 

     A sky that looked good for hawks inspired me to take a little time off from work and head up to the lookout for a couple of hours. Not a huge flight day, but the three Northern Harriers was a nice surprise. The last one was a beautiful male "gray ghost", the only one I've seen this fall.  

     The Cooper's Hawk flew fairly low directly over the lookout, giving me a really good look.

Monarch 1

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

3 Harriers, one a fabulous Gray is worth a couple hours birding!

Thank you, Bill.

 

Glad to hear of your Halloween surprise. :)

And we know you will, certainly -

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson

 

 

Great Numbers When the Skies Cleared! Sunday

I am late getting Bill's report up for Sunday. He had a great day.

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
 Sun., Oct. 28, 2018

Coverage (all times EST): 

1030-1600 = 5.5 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds 10% @1030, staying at 10%-20% until 1430 when they reached 70%. At 1500 they were back to 25%. Wind SSW 5-10 from 1030-1400. At that point wind shifted to SW 10-20, with occasional stronger gusts to 25 mph. Temperature 55 - 73 F. Barometric pressure 30.10, gradually decreasing to 29.94. Humidity 74%-47%. Visibility 20 K and hazy @ 1030, 45K @ 1200, 60K @ 1400.

Raptors: ( all times EST):

1000: 0

1100: SS 3, CH 1, RT 1

1200: SS 6, CH 1, 

1300: TV 27, SS 10, RT 5

1400: TV 32, NH 1, SS 8

1500: TV 7, NH 1, SS 3 

Raptor totals:

10/28/18 

Turkey Vulture 66

Northern Harrier 2

Sharp-shinned 30

Cooper's 2

Red-tailed 6

________________ 

Total raptors = 106

      An interesting afternoon! Sharp-shinned flight was steady from 1:00-3:00. After the wind shifted and increased in strength, things became difficult for all the hawks. They were forced to stay low, or battle the wind, which was really strong and gusting, coming across the ridge. 

     At 3:30 I spotted a little sharpie to the west of the lookout. It made the mistake of getting considerable altitude and was caught in the stiff wind. It literally blew sideways across the lookout until it was well over the valley to the east, at least a quarter mile away. It was headed the right direction, but going sideways instead of straight ahead. Pretty funny to see! I felt a little sorry for it. The two late Northern Harriers really had a tough time making any headway as well. 

Other sightings: Chimney Swift 4; Monarch 3; male Eastern Fence Lizard on rock at edge of bluff. (Second time I've seen it this fall).

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

Vultures love the wind.  One of the few migrants which benefit from it.  But anything that is determined to migrate at this point may attempt to make headway, in spite of the difficulties.

 

So Glad to add 30 more Sharpies!

 

If you can, get out there, and help us

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

Sunday Visitors, Some Were Not Hawks! LOL

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals,
Sun., Oct. 21, 2018

Coverage ( all times EST):

1115 - 1545 = 4.5 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Helper: David Crisp

Weather: Completely clear blue sky all afternoon, clouds 0. Wind N 5-10 @ 1115, dropping to N 1-3 @ 1300 and continuing light till 1545. Temperature 48-57 F. Barometric pressure 30.36 and gradually going down to 30.28. Humidity 47%-33%. Visibility was an outstanding 75-80K.

Raptors:

1100: BE 1 (1st yr.)

1200: 0

1300: SS 2, CH 1

1400: TV 12, SS 2

Species list:

10/21/18 

Turkey Vulture 12

Bald Eagle 1

Sharp-shinned 4

Cooper's 1

_______________ 

Raptor Total = 18  

     Two noteworthy visitors today. The first had four legs and antlers. I was standing very still at the edge of the bluff when I noticed a 4 point whitetail buck calmly walking down the dirt road from the pole at the North end of the lookout. Wind was in my face so I was down wind. He couldn't smell me, and it was clear that he didn't see me. When he was less than 50 feet away, he finally noticed me. Immediately his neck stretched up and he stared at me for almost a minute. Then he turned and bounded over the bank to his right. First deer I've seen this fall, although I often find tracks. I thought about reaching for my phone and attempting a photo, but couldn't move.

     My next visitor, David Crisp, had been deer hunting earlier and came on the lookout to admire the view. When I told him what I was doing, and that you usually needed binoculars to see the hawks, which were sometimes specks, he assured me he had binoculars that could see the specks. A quick trip to his truck and he returned with 2 pairs of binoculars. He handed me a large pair - high dollar Swarovski 15 power. He wasn't just kidding, the optics were sweet! Suffice to say I could buy 15 pairs of the 10X42's I'm currently using with what he paid for that one pair of Swarovski's!!! The ONLY fault I would have was the weight, which would wear you out in a day of scanning. He also had some nice 10X42's.

     David stayed with me over an hour and although it was a slow day, he got on a few hawks, including a couple I might have missed. He is a good observer, explaining that he does a good bit of elk and pronghorn antelope hunting out west. That type of hunting requires a lot of scanning the terrain with binoculars. He didn't want to leave, and I feel sure I'll see him up there again.

      Most visitors are there for the scenery, and most don't even own binoculars, much less have them handy to join in and help.  

     Four other folks, two who live on Jones Gap Road and a couple from Chicago stopped by for a few minutes. I talked about what I was doing and they were quite interested. Of course, I always tell them to check out our blog, Soddy Mountain Hawk Watch. I'm hoping my Jones Gap folks come back. I requested for the Chicago folks to keep the weather cold, snowy and icy up north, so their hawks come on down to see us.

     Missed a probable Merlin. David and I were watching 2 sharpies over the north ridge, when a small falcon continually attacked one of them. The Sharp-shins continued on south and the falcon dove below the treeline. We never found it again, although I suspect it snuck past us down the valley below the lookout.

     Not a big number of hawks, but still an interesting day. You never know what you'll see on the lookout!

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr. "

I put up some Osprey pics on the Identification page.  New visitors, please, browse the Blog site.  Lots more Hawk and DATA info on various pages. 

Hello, to our new visitors!  Welcome. Come again soon. 'Til then...

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!
 

NOT SKUNKED!

Clouds opened later in the day than predicted, and it continued to rain until after lunch, but...

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
Sat., Oct. 20, 2018

Coverage (all times EST):

1300-1500 = 2.0 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: A rainy morning yielded to some clearing this afternoon. 90% clouds @ 1300, 80% @ 1400. Wind started NW 1-5, increased to WNW 10-15 by 1500. Temperature 62 F - 64 F. Barometric pressure 30.04 - 30.02.

When I saw some blue sky at 1:30, I headed up to the lookout, just in case any hawks or TV's might be moving. Good news is I didn't get skunked!

Hawks:

10/20/18 

1300: SS 2

1400: SS 1

__________

Raptor Total = 3 

Sharp-shinned 3

Other sightings: 

Tree Swallow 3, Chimney Swift 1

Monarch butterfly 3

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

A cold Sunny day predicted Sunday.  Lots of blue skies. Warm clothes will be needed.  Since I am posting this Sunday morning, I can say that at 10 am it's only 51 degrees and the winds are gusting to move the tree tops.  Raptors will have to use a little more wing power today to move through, but maybe the movement will make them easier to see.  Bill is usually at church this morning, but it won't be a bad thing to not endure the morning cold with all this wind.

 

Since Vultures love the wind, might they find it inviting?  We'll see. Bill says he'd rather see his numbers in Red-tails, Sharp-shinned  and Red-shouldered Hawks.  Time for the latter season movers to get underway!!

 

Gotta

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

 

Cynthia and Jimmy Wilkerson

Whoops!!! There It IS! ~ 4002~

Season Total just crossed the 4000 bird mark!
Friday's count was the clincher
Here's the data as it appears on Hawkcount.org



October numbers only, but the bottom line
 shows the fall Total ~ 4002!!! (click to view)

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
Fri., Oct. 19, 2018 

Coverage(all times EST):

0830-1530 = 7.0 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather: Clouds (high, thin cirrus) 25% @ 0830, increasing to 50% @ 1000, 60% @ 1100, changing to mixed cirrus/stratus and staying that way for the rest of the day. Wind started very weak, SE 1-2 for first 3 hours. I thought of the old hawkwatching saying, "No wind, no hawks". Luckily it picked up @ 1100 to SE 5-8, and changed @1200 to S 5-10 mph, with some stronger gusts. When the winds got stronger, so did the hawk flight. Temperature 48-72 F. Barometric pressure 30.34, decreasing to 30.20.

Raptors: ( all times EST):

0800: 0

0900: SS 1, CH 1

1000: TV 10, SS 6

1100: TV 12, SS 6, ML 2

1200: SS 5

1300: TV 69, SS 6, CH 2

1400: NH 1, SS 2

1500: TV 4
 

Raptor totals:

10/19/18 

Turkey Vulture 95

Northern Harrier 1

Sharp-shinned 21

Cooper's 3

Merlin 2

______________
Raptor Total = 122
 

     It was a day of surprises. You never know what you'll see. I sure wish Ian, who visited yesterday, could have been there today. Hawks were closer and more numerous. And I had clouds!

     At 12:12, a small, dark falcon crested the north ridge. The Merlin quickly approached the lookout, passing at eye level about 200 feet out and affording great looks. I wrote it down and on the next scan picked up another small hawk, which I figured would be a sharpie. Wait a minute - that bird had pointed wings too. Another Merlin, and this one turned toward the lookout, passing directly overhead at 12:15. I'm not sure I ever had back-to-back Merlins - especially 3 minutes apart! 

     I hoped for some big kettles of Turkey Vultures. At 2:50 one group of 54 showed up, and 5 minutes later, another 15. Several smaller groups helped up the total to 95. There will be more to come!

      It seemed to be a day for pairs. Five times a pair of sharpies came through together.

     At 3:25 I saw a bird with a strong dihedral approaching the brow of the north ridge. I thought to myself it looked a bit too bouyant for a TV. As it barely scraped over the treetops, the female Northern Harrier flapped 3-4 times, confirming my hunch. She flew down the valley below me, something we've only seen a handful of times at Soddy Mountain. All the others I've seen this year were very distant and high.

Other sightings: 

Blue Jay 33, Tree Swallow 7, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler ( first of fall), Blue-headed Vireo.

Monarch butterfly 1.

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

Super day. All because Bill was able to

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

 

Cynthia  and Jimmy Wilkerson

Visitor with Good Eyes Helps at the Hawk Watch! 10-18-18

Bill sent a picture of a Bald Eagle which flew directly over him the day before.  As I put it up, I want to remind you, there is a page for helps in Identification on this blog: IDENTIFICATION  which can be accessed from the left sidebar on the computer view, or in the arrow drop down bar on the cell phone view, (top right).  I am going to inset a picture I once took of an adult Bald Eagle over the watch, which I used to help people ID the distant eagle.  If you imagine either of these birds, my pic or Bill's against a white cloud sky...you might have difficulty seeing that white head and tail, even though it is almost neon white in the blue.  What is left is that expanse of straight wide dark wings. 
THE FLYING BOARD.  It will look like a plane in the extreme distance coming in straight at you.  It's a definitive way to ID a Bald Eagle at a great distance, long before you can see the head and tail we all love so much.  FLAT WINGS THAT SELDOM MOVE, unless fighting wind, rising up from stationary position, or deliberately gaining altitude where there is little lift. Otherwise, that big ole bird, never works at it. 

Many people ask us where is the best place to see Bald Eagles.  We often tell them to come to the Hawk Watch if they would like to see them in migration. I was counting back on the days and there have only been 5 days in a month that Bill didn't count Bald Eagles, and many early on were immatures, lacking the bright white head and tail. Depending on the year of their age.  But the flat wing stance with very straight wide wings are seldom not a real clue to even the highest or farthest one.  Even on days he didn't count migrants, there have been many days locals were busy slipping in and out of the Lookout air space.  I continue to update and add birds to the ID page, and people like Ian who arrived to help Bill will benefit in learning the clues to distance Identification.


 Jimmy and I took today to catch up on rest, and just plain get over the last two days of pushing when your body doesn't want to go.  So we were so proud to hear, Bill had a guest to help him pull in Thursday's numbers.  Let's get to the numbers:

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
Thurs., Oct. 18, 2018

Coverage (all times EST):

0800 - 1515 = 7.25 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Helper: Ian Riley

Weather:

Clouds (thin Cirrus) 40% @ 0800, decreasing to 20% @ 0900, and gradually to 10% @ 1200. At 1300 clouds were 20%, but they were all behind us. Some clouds began forming in front of us @1400, 25%. By 1500 they were thicker "mackerel clouds" at 75%. Wind was N all day 5-15 mph. Temperature ranged from 53 F - 65 F. Barometric pressure started 30.40, was 30.43 from 1000-1200, then went down to 30.37 by 1500. Humidity 59% - 44%. Visibility was an excellent 70 K all day.

Hawks: (all times EST)

0800: SS 2

0900: TV 31, SS 1

1000: 0

1100: SS 3, RS 1

1200: OS 1, SS 2, CH 1

1300: TV 7

1400: NH 1, SS 1

Raptor totals:

10/18/18 

Turkey Vulture 38

Osprey 1

Northern Harrier 1

Sharp-shinned 9

Cooper's 1

Red-shouldered 1

_______________

Total  Raptors = 51 

Other sightings:

Blue Jay 43

Monarch butterfly 5

     I welcomed Ian Riley to the lookout for his first visit today. He has very sharp eyes and found several birds I would have missed. It was good to have his help and I will look forward to seeing him up there again. I shared some ID pointers and filled him in on the origins and history of the sport of hawkwatching. He first heard of hawkwatching when he stopped at a birding site while on a trip in Michigan and learned there was also a hawk watch nearby. This made him curious to see if there were any in Tennessee, and that's how he found us. Thanks again for the help today, Ian! You are welcome any time, and maybe the hawks will be flying better next time.

     Got a first large group of 31 migrant Turkey Vultures, with a later group of 7. Hope to see many more in the next few days. A late Osprey and Northern Harrier were nice too. 

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr"

 

The new numbers are up on Hawkcount.org.  Jimmy had a few minutes to catch them up.  Compare our numbers with other sites, and I challenge you to find out our Eagle total for the year while you are there.  Turkey Vultures are beginning to move.  Their numbers could really set this year's totals on a high note if someone is there to see them.  Bill continues to watch through this week end.

 

Thank you Ian!

Hope you will continue to

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

Seven Species REPRESENT!!!

With the cooler fall temps up north, the species which primarily move after the BWs of September are keeping Bill in a constant battle to see everything in the all that sky.  The days are pretty, lately, but require preparation for change throughout the day from rather cool mornings and evenings to pretty warm mid day.  IT'S FALL finally.  Some good reports coming in!

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
 Wed., Oct. 17, 2018

Coverage, (all times EST):

0845  - 1515 = 6.5 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather (began 0900):

Clouds 85% @ 0845, 50% @ 1000, gradually decreasing to 15% at days end. Wind was north 2-10 mph all day, picking up to 10-15 after 1400. Temperatures 58 F to 69 F. Barometric pressure 30.31-30.27. Humidity 64% - 36%. Visibility 70-75 K all day.

Hawks:

0800: NH 1

0900: SS 2

1000: BE 1 (imm.), SS 1

1100: NH 1, SS 5, CH 2, RS 1, RT 1

1200: SS 1, AK 1

1300: BE 2 (1 ad., 1 3rd yr), SS 4, CH 1

1400: SS 1

1500: 0

Totals: 

 

10/17/18

Northern Harrier 2

Bald Eagle 3

Sharp-shinned 14

Cooper's 3

Red-shouldered 1

Red-tailed 1

American Kestrel 1

________________

  Raptor Total: 25

In yesterday's report I speculated it might be an interesting hawk day today, and with seven species counted, it was. At 12:30 I had 2 Sharp-shins, 1 Cooper's Hawk and 1 Northern Harrier in sight at the same time. Most of the birds got very high up this afternoon, and like BW season, when "speck hawks" just fade out of sight - I experienced this several times, losing some potentially countable birds. I had to work for what I got, as there were very few close "eyeball" hawks.

Other sightings: 4 Chimney Swift's (they will be gone towards Peru, where they spend our winters, very soon). 

Monarch butterflies 5.

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr. "

 

Jimmy's report following his heart cath, is very good.  Originally told that when they got in to see his stented area, if it had stenosis or bad scar tissue, it could mean open heart surgery, we went in somewhat concerned.  Since his Myopathy had returned, even though under some treatment through lesser meds than the IVIGs, we were concerned that something done involving his Heart muscles, might be dangerous. They confirmed yesterday morning that he was at too high risk to consider the open heart option, before they took him back - to my relief. 

 

Now completely expecting a new stent to be placed in a new area, and a one day stay in Nashville, we were blessed to hear unexpected good news.  When they got in, the blockage was in a vein too small to stent, but in spite of some narrowing of both veins and arteries around his heart, all of his heart strengths were the best they've been in several years. the small vein obstruction isn't causing his heart difficulty as they expected. In fact, his heart is stronger, -beating better, has good rhythm, and has good pressure.  Seems that the unexpected blessing of replacing his immune system and going through all that misery to get to therapy, and a place of rebuilding muscle actually made his heart stronger!!!! God is good. 

Now to beat the Polymyositis again, and not feel lousy. I personally believe that the meds are helping sooner than expected. He just seems like he has more energy than in a couple of months. Fingers crossed and prayers going up.  Who knows, he might feel like a few hours on the hill before it's all over?

Here's hoping he and others can get up this season to help Bill

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

 

Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson...

Rainy Days and Mondays..., Plus Tuesday's Report

I am posting both Monday and Tuesday's report with a note that I might not be able to put up reports for a day or two??? Not sure if I will have access to my computer.  So I will do what I am able. Maybe, it won't be a problem at all, bur we'll see.

But for now, Bill actually went up in spite of frequent rains, and mostly cloudy skies.  Are migrants taking a rain break?   Here's the report:

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals

Mon., Oct. 15, 2018

Coverage: 0915 -1300 = 3.75 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather:

Clouds 50%@ 0915, 70% @ 1000, 40% @ 1200. Wind S 10-15 mph decreasing to 2-8 mph. Temperature 68 F - 76 F. Barometric pressure 30.16 - 30.14. Visibility 30 - 45K. Humidity 75%  - 62%.

 

Weather: (all times EST):

0900: 0

1000: SS 2

1100: SS 2, BW 1

1200: SS 4

Hawks:

10/15/18 

Sharp-shinned 8

Broad-winged 1

_____________

Raptor Total = 9 

Hawk watching is like fishing. You never know for sure if you'll land them or not. Sometimes you cast far off and gradually reel a fish in. Sometimes they get off on the way in. Same with hawks. Sometimes you get them, sometimes not. Today 4 sharpies looked like they were coming through. I had them mentally counted, then they turned into tricksters, going into a steep dive over the north ridge and disappearing into the trees. Oh, well. The ones that got away!

One Broad-wing showed up today. Of all the BW's I've been able to get a good look at this past week, all were immatures. Although they are young of the year, their instincts were working fine. They've all taking the "typical" BW path to the southwest.

Other sightings: 23 migrant Blue Jays. Heard a Blue-headed Vireo in trees north of lookout.

Monarch 3

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

And today's ___

 

'Soddy Mountain hawk totals

Tues., Oct. 16, 2018

Coverage (all times EST) 

0800 - 1000 = 2.0 hrs

Counter:  Bill Haley

Weather:

Clouds 100%, wind NNE 2-4 mph, temperature 61 F, visibility 45 K, barometric pressure 30.22 - 30.23. A few raindrops @ 0900, changing to persistent light rain when I left @ 1000.

Complete cloud cover with rain predicted around noon today, but I hoped for an adventurous sharpie or two before that, despite the poor weather conditions.

Hawks - 0

Other sightings: Blue Jays (16) 0818, (4) 0924.

Tomorrow is supposed to start with clouds and a chance of showers, with clearing conditions in the afternoon. Another cold front will be coming in and temperatures will drop. I'll be up there to see what hawks might be ready to come through after this bad weather. I'm optimistic there will be hawks flying. It could be interesting.

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

I hope the skies open up to some great raptors!

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!!

 

A Light Day on Sunday

Bill reports a light day, but didn't get skunked! And the Broadies aren't done as then.

"Soddy Mountain hawk totals
Sun., Oct. 14, 2018

Coverage (all times EST):

1115 - 15:15 = 4.0 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

Weather:Clouds 95%, then clearing some to 50% @ 1300 and gradually back to 70% @1500. Wind SE 2-5 MPH. Temperature increasing from 64 F @ 1115 to 77 F @ 1500. Barometric pressure fell gradually from 30.11  - 30.03. Humidity from 69% - 46%.

Fairly light hawk flight on the lookout today. Interesting that I picked up two more late Broad-wings. Will they be the last this fall?

Hawks by hour: (all times EST):

1100: 0

1200: SS 1

1300: SS 1, BW 1

1400: SS 2, CH 1, BW 1

HAWK TOTALS:

10/14/18

Sharp-shinned  4

Cooper's 1

Broad-winged 2
______________ 

Total raptors: 7

Other sightings: Nice looks at local Red-tailed Hawk with a very full crop. Good to know the locals are eating well! Rock Dove sitting on wire - unusual - maybe a first? One group of 10 migrant Blue Jays. 5 Tree Swallows.

Monarch butterflies: 17

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr."

 

Sometimes you just have a low count day...It's hawk-watching.  You gotta love it.

 

Sunny and hot on Monday. A few clouds, would be ideal, because Northerly winds are predicted.

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

Saturday, October 13 2018

Two Merlins in one day!!!!! Still one straggling Broad-wing. Starting to count the Turkey Vultures. He only needs 212 raptors to top 4,000 birds counted this year.  A couple good kettles of TVs a day would get him there in a hurry.

 

This is what it looked like when the skies opened, Bill, says: 

 

William G. Haley: I thought you might like this TV photo, taken today just as the first glimpses of blue started to show up.

William G. Haley: I thought you might like this TV photo, taken today just as the first glimpses of blue started to show up. 

 

 

 

Soddy Mountain hawk totals

 Sat., Oct. 13, 2018

"Coverage,( all times EST): 

0900 - 1500 = 6.0 hrs.

Counter: Bill Haley

     An interesting mix of raptors today. Two Merlin's we're nice! Got one very late Broad-wing. Also counted my first Red-shouldered Hawk of the fall. One group of 7 migrating Turkey Vultures were also seen.     

    

     Most of the day featured 95-99,%  clouds, but they began to break up around 1300, and cleared out quickly after that. Unfortunately and inexplicably, the hawks kind of dried up after that too.

     I am starting to see some small groups of migrant Blue Jay's, with 34  counted today. Biggest was 14. Also saw a small flock (16) of tree swallows at 0952 and a couple more at 1400. Heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch and saw a couple of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. (They seem to have arrived yesterday.)

Weather:

Clouds 99% till 0900 - 1300, 80% and decreasing that hour, dwindling to 35% @ 1400. Wind N 2-5 MPH most of day, shifting to NE 1-4 @ 1400. Barometric pressure 30.04 to 30.06 from 1000 - 1300, falling to 30.01  @ 1400. Visibility was 70K all day.

 

William G. Haley: This is what it looked like until 2pm today.
Even with 99% clouds I still saw some hawks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hawks by the hour: (all times EST):

0900: SS 3

1000: ML 1

1100: RS 1, BW 1

1200: TV 7, BE 2 (ad.), SS 1

1300: SS 1, ML 1

1400: RT 1

Hawk totals:

10/13/18 

Turkey Vultures 7

Bald Eagle 2 (ad.)

Sharp-shin 5

Red-shouldered 1

Broad-winged  1

Red-tailed 1

Merlin 2

________________ 

Total raptors: 19

Monarchs 8

 

Reporting: William G. Haley, Jr. "

 

I'll add the new species, our first Red-shouldered, not a local...migrants will be moving in now.  I have seen quite a few posts lately for Red-breasted Nuthatches. Must be an eruptive year...

I feel sure Bill will cross the 4,000 mark this year if a couple kettles of Vultures will group up and move on. 

 

Some who follow us on their phones can't see the sidebars with the running totals, so here are the updated numbers for now:

 

Year to date:

BW's  3640

All Raptors  3788

 

All Seasons Totals:

BW's 67,735

All Raptors  90,405

 

In order seen this season:

 

CH 8, BW 3640, OS 12, RT 8, SS 56, PG 12,

BE 24, NH 1, AK 8, ML 7, TV 11, RS 1  = 3788

_______________________

 

I sadly report that Jimmy's Myopathy has returned and his new meds, forbid him to be out in the sun much at all. He is feeling rather badly.  But we caught it early and are hoping medication will keep him from going downhill to the extent he did before.  Might take him a day or two to catch up Hawkcount.org. He needs to get to feeling better.

 

Thanks to all who read and keep up. 

 

It's a blessing to report to you.

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

 

There's more to come.