Eagle Count Caps the Day

Soddy Mountain, TN hawk report Tues., Oct. 13, 2020............. Duration: 0900-1600 = 7.0 hrs. Counter: Bill Haley ......... Weather: 0900 clouds 15%, wind N 5-10, temp. 56F, visib. 60K; 1000 clouds 100%, (cloud bank closed in from the east, which is unusual), wind N 1-4; 1100 clouds 85% and breaking up, wind SE 1-4, temp. 62F; 1200 clouds 5%, wind NE 2-5, temp. 65F, visib. 70K; 1300 clear, wind SE 1-3, temp. 69F; 1400 wind NE 2-5, temp. 72F; 1500 wind NE 5-10, temp. 74F. Raptors by hour: 0900-1000: SS 1 1000-1100: BE 1, SS 1, CH 1 1100-1200: TV 23, BE 2, SS 2, CH 1 1200-1300: OS 1, SS 3, CH 2, BW 1, RT 1, AK 1 1300-1400: BE 5, SS 1 1400-1500: CH 1 1500-1600: 0 TOTALS = 46 total raptors... TV 23, BE 8, OS 1, SS 7, CH 4, BW 1, RT 1, AK 1 ............. Today seemed to be a tipping point. Do the raptors somehow know it'll be getting much colder by Friday? I was somewhat surprised to see a kettle of Turkey Vultures, which streamed southward down the valley. They are early. It was certainly a Bald Eagle day, with 1 immature and 7 adults passing the lookout. At one point I was watching a Sharp-shinned Hawk when it was joined by a Bald Eagle, then another, and another, and finally by a fourth eagle - all in the same binocular view! While watching the eagles, I also saw an American Kestrel and another sharpie. All went south. At another moment I had a Sharp-shin followed by a Bald Eagle, followed by a Cooper's Hawk. In the interest of full disclosure, I should add there can be long, boring times between such excitement.... Also seen: 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches in pines at edge of bluff. 9 Monarchs and 1 Mourning Cloak butterfly - the first I've seen all year. ..... Reporting: William G. (Bill) Haley... KEEP LOOKING UP!!!