[EBB Sightings] Raptors at Crockett Hills 3/28

Today's raptor count at Crockett Hills:

Turkey Vulture  75
Red-tailed Hawk 278
Cooper's Hawk 8
Northern Harrier 29
Kestrel 1
White-tailed Kite  7
Golden Eagle 1
Ferruginous Hawk 1
Unidentified Raptor 67

Total:  467
Minutes:  240
Raptors per hour: 116.75

Offshore wind today shifted most of the raptor activity south to the edge of
the bay. A high cirrus overcast came in about 1:30 and caused thermals to
decay. This shifted activity back to the usual area near Sky View Trail As
lift decayed, several large kettles of 10-20 Red Tails formed quickly and
headed northeast. 

Got a great look at a juv Ferruginous hawk passing low overhead. Snow white
underneath. Absolutely beautiful.

Tomorrow is the last day of the two-week census. Will post a summary here.
Will be going out there once a week through April. If anyone wants to come
along in April, would love to have company. Email me at harvmon at comcast.net
or call me at 510-769-0918.

Directions to site:

The site is located at the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. Park at the
Crockett Ranch Staging Area and hike to the highest point on Sky Trail.
Birds approach from the southeast and kite on the ridges to the northwest.
Between noon and about 3 pm, look for birds passing at high altitude.

Park brochure with driving directions to Crockett Ranch Staging Area can be
found here:

http://www.ebparks.com/resources/pdf/trails/carq_crockett_text.pdf




Harv Wilson