March 14 Daily Flight Summary

Official Counter   

Adam Richardson

Observers   

None

Weather

-12.2 C and snowing lightly in camp this morning at 08:00.  By the beginning of the count at 11:00AM it was -7 with 7.2kph winds out of the SE.  It was mostly cloudy with a haze along the Smith River.  31cm of snow along the river banks and the observation point had drifted back in during yesterdays storm.  Temperatures climbed above freezing by 13:30 and hit a high of 4 at 15:30. Winds kicked up out of the S at 17.4kph and persisted until the end of the count.   

Raptor Notes   

Nearly 17 raptors migrated north in the 14:00 hour, mostly on the same flight line.  The exception was the RTHA that only climbed part way up Jumbo Mountain to cross far to the south of the OP. All of the eagles climbed up Jumbo Mountain flying down to cross the Smith River directly overhead of the OP to climb back up the west side of the canyon flying due west.  The Bald Eagles led the flight and all of these were adult birds.  Golden Eagles (sub-adults and adults) flew through in similar numbers, but on a higher flight line. 

A resident immature Golden Eagle persists and seems to be tolerated somewhat by the resident adult pair.  The immature spent some time to the north in the canyon or climbing back up Sheep Creek.  Two adult birds were seen on Jumbo Mountain most of the day, one perched and the other doing roller-coaster displays.  Both birds escorted migrants along the ridge, but the one was mostly stationary in a favored snag. 

Two adult Bald Eagles were perched together in a snag directly uphill of my car camp at 18:00, one staying until after sunset.  These birds were active today as well flying up and down the Smith River to the south of the OP near the foot of Jumbo Mountain. 

Non-raptor Notes

Several hundred Bohemian Waxwing migrated north today.  They flocked around the rock bluff to the west of the OP perching in trees very near the outcrop.  A RBNU was heard in the little canyon to the west of the OP.  5 antelope were on the road near the Smith River this morning.  24 elk came by in the afternoon.

Visitors   
None

Next Day Forecast

High 34F Low 14F
East winds 12mph