[EBB Sightings] Crockett Hills Raptor Census 4/11

April 11, 2007
 
Turkey Vulture  35
Red-tailed Hawk  274
Sharp-shinned Hawk  2
Cooper's Hawk   0
Northern Harrier 6  
Am. Kestrel  0
Peregrine  0
White-tailed Kite  6
Golden Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk   0
Osprey  1
Unidentified Accip  0
Unidentified Buteo  3
Unidentified Raptor  51
 
Total Count:  379
Total Minutes:  240
Raptors per Hour:  94.75

Temp 56F-58F, Wind 270 9-15G20, Broken cumulus.

Wind rose steadily throughout day. The count declined hour by hour from 118
in the first hour to 69 in the last. Most arrivals were at low altitude and
were using primarily ridge lift. Did see some birds at high altitude, but
too far to identify. They are reflected in the unidentified raptor count. 

Divided view-shed into sectors and kept count by sector by hour. Largest
count, 209 (55%), was in the sector 130T to 240T. Will continue this for
remainder of census.

After the watch, I hiked over to the next ridge to the south. Much better
view-shed. Can see far to the SW and SE. Will conduct remainder of the
census from that location. It's about a 10 minute walk from the current
site. 

Harv Wilson