Mendota Fire Tower
Mendota, VA, Virginia, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 18, 2016
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 1 2 2
Bald Eagle 0 1 1
Northern Harrier 0 2 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 5 5
Cooper's Hawk 0 2 2
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 555 775 775
Red-tailed Hawk 0 2 2
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 1 1
American Kestrel 1 2 2
Merlin 0 0 0
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 557 794 794
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Observation start time: 08:30:00
Observation end time: 13:30:00
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Jennifer Meade
Observers: George Larkin, Jeff Millard, Susan Greear
Visitors:
Curtis Riner
Weather:
100 percent cloud cover all day with rain beginning at 1:30 EST. Great for
viewing conditions--good backdrop and no glare. Temperature ranged from a
low of 70 to a high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Visibility approx. 38 km
until the rain set in. Wind was variable in the morning, speed estimated at
12-19 km from SW, shifting to the SE. Winds became calm after 9:30 am EST
until about 1:00 pm, then slightly increasing to 2-3 km/hr from W.
Raptor Observations:
Steady numbers of BWH between 10:00 (EST) and 1:30. They were flying from
below eye level , eye level, and slightly above and many were counted
without binoculars. Several kettles of birds formed steadily throughout the
day, especially from 10-1 (EST) Most groups were 15-40 birds.
Non-raptor Observations:
None reported
Predictions:
The front is predicted to clear out by Monday morning. Should be a good day
for hawk watching.
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Report submitted by Ronald Eugene Harrington (roneharrin@xxxxxxx)
Site Description:
The Mendota Fire Tower Hawkwatch site is located atop Clinch Mountain at
the abandoned fire tower near Mendota, Virginia. A hawkwatch has been
conducted during fall migration each year since 1958 at this site.
Clinch Mountain is a 150 mile long ridge that runs from near Burke's Garden
in Tazewell County, Virginia to Blaine, Tennessee. It runs generally
Northeast to Southwest and divides the Clinch River drainage to the north
and the Holston River drainage to the south.
The site is on the Russell and Washington County lines and is at an
elevation of 3000 feet As is usual with a fire tower location there is a
360 degree view with Moccasin Valley and Pine Mountain to the North and
Mendota and the Holston River to the south.
Access to this site requires a moderately strenuous 25 minute hike on the
old fire tower access road. There are no facilities so be sure to bring
water, sunscreen, raingear, chair, snacks and lunch and binoculars. There
are no restrooms.
Directions to site:
TRAVELING FROM LEBANON/RICHLANDS/GRUNDY
Take Route 19 towards Abingdon. At Hansonville turn right on Route 58.
Travel 3.3 miles then turn left on Moccasin Valley Road (Route 613). Travel
9.9 miles on Moccasin Valley Road then turn left on Tower Road (County Road
612). Travel 2.7 miles on Tower Road. On the left there will be a rutted
dirt road, park nearby and walk to the tower on the dirt road.
TRAVELING FROM ABINGDON VIRGINIA
Take Route 19 towards Lebanon. After crossing the North Fork Holston River
turn left onto Mendota Road (Route 802). Travel 14.1 miles on Mendota Road.
Turn right onto Pinnacle Road. Travel 3 miles on Pinnacle Road. There will
be a rutted dirt road on the right. Park nearby and walk to the tower on
the rutted dirt road.
TRAVELING FROM BRISTOL, VA
Take Virginia Exit 1 on I-81. Take Route 58/421 towards Gate City, VA. Take
Gate City Highway (Route 58/421) 11 miles then turn right on Route 615.
Travel approximately 6 miles on Route 615 then turn left on Route 614, then
right on Route 802 at MendotaTravel approximately 1 mile on Route 802 then
turn laft on Pinnacle Road. Travel 3 miles on Pinnacle Road. On the right
there will be a rutted dirt road. Park nearby then walk to the tower on the
rutted dirt road.