Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Michael Ceci
Observers:
Visitors: A lady from Erie PA stopped by to while I was at 1B. She was interested in our hawk watch, as I explained typical days. She requested directions for going up the escarpment to do some birding. Unfortunately, I did not get her name.
Weather: The morning started off pleasant with temperature @ 20.27C. The sky was perfect with some white clouds to pick up any birds, and the wind began as SW. As the day progressed, a storm was approaching. During the 11-12:00 hour, there were only two TV's. Gradually, the sky darkened to 100% cloud cover by 11:00 AM. Upon checking weather radar, a storm was blowing in from the west. It began to rain @ 11:45 AM, and intensified by noon. With dropping temperatures and increasing wind, the watch was shut down by noon. By 1:00 PM, the temperature dropped to 17.222. It wasn't one of those days to wait for the storm to pass with the hope more birds would push through if there was an interval of clearing. The temperature continued dropping, and by 4:00 PM, it was down to 14.44C
Raptor Observations: Although the 10-11 AM hour showed promise with 29 TV's, it was almost a complete shutdown with only 2 TV's between 11-12:00. The birds were spread from the field south of Rt 5 inland to Parker Road.
Non-raptor Observations: It was a disappointing day for raptors. The raptor totals consisted of 3 RT's, 1 OS, and only 3 BW's. The past few days have presented ideal conditions with few birds. One has to wonder if the 2025 migration is nearing it's end.
Predictions: The weather forecast for Sunday, 05/18/2025: Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 55F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Monday's forecast is for a slight warm up. But most of next week will be the the mid '50's. With storm activity surrounding us, tomorrow doesn't doesn't look promising. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Michael Ceci (<michael.ceci541...>) Ripley Hawk Watch information may be found at: www.facebook.com/groups/3193820734258889/
