Mount Lorette (16 Apr 2023) 28 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 16, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 3 | 41 | 127 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 9 | 20 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 6 | 19 | 20 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Golden Eagle | 15 | 312 | 1751 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Merlin | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 3 | 5 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 10 | 20 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Total: | 28 | 417 | 1970 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 18:45:00 |
| Total observation time: | 12.75 hours |
| Official Counter | Blake Weis |
| Observers: | Dave Cuthiell, Leslie Baker |
Visitors:
25 visitors stopped to talk. None came to watch raptors.
Weather:
At the start of the day it was overcast and 2C. The clouds cleared down to a low of 30% in the afternoon before increasing to 100% again by the end of observation. Ground wind was gusty from the SSW-WSW with sustained winds often between 10 and 20 km/h and some gusts between 30 and 40. Ridge wind was strong all day from the WSW. The temperature reached a high of 7 and remained there until the end. Around 7 pm a storm started moving in from the south and the weather radar showed no sign of it blowing over. The count was concluded at 7:45 pm as the arrival of rain was imminent.
Raptor Observations:
The day’s count consisted of 15 Golden Eagles (3a, 4j, 3sa, 1ui, 4u), 1 adult Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3 Bald Eagles (2a, 1u), 6 Red-tailed Hawks (1 intermediate/dark adult Harlan’s, 4 light adults of unknown race and 1u), 1 light morph Rough-legged Hawk, 1 unidentified eagle and 1 Merlin (probable columbarius). Migrants were flying fairly high and for most of the day used variable flight paths. Later in the day they consolidated over the east ridges. The peak was 8 Golden Eagles between 6 and 7 pm who were likely moving in advance of the oncoming storm.
Resident raptors included 1 adult Golden Eagle displaying near the eastern ridges, 1 adult Northern Goshawk and 2 adult Bald Eagles.
Non-raptor Observations:
Mallard 2 Ruffed Grouse 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 American Crow 1 Common Raven 8 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Mountain Chickadee 2 Boreal Chickadee 2 swallow sp. 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 American Dipper 1 European Starling 4 Mountain Bluebird 1 Varied Thrush 2 American Robin 30 Bohemian Waxwing 100 In one flock American Pipit 6 Pine Grosbeak 2 White-winged Crossbill 3 Pine Siskin 4 Dark-eyed Junco (unkown ssp.) 9 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 2 Red-winged Blackbird 1
5 Red Squirrels 1 Coyote
Report submitted by ()
Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Mount Lorette (15 Apr 2023) 28 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 15, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 6 | 38 | 124 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 9 | 20 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 7 | 13 | 14 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Golden Eagle | 9 | 297 | 1736 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Merlin | 0 | 3 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Eagle | 2 | 9 | 19 |
| Unknown Raptor | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total: | 28 | 389 | 1942 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:30:00 |
| Total observation time: | 13.5 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Caroline Lambert, Glenn Webber |
Visitors:
About 50 people stopped to talk about the count. We were lucky to have help from Jessica and Sophie.
Weather:
The morning began clear and still at -1C. Snow blowing off the peaks of the surrounding mountains indicated strong winds from the west. Ground winds increased gradually throughout the day. By mid afternoon the temperature had risen to 5C and winds were over 10 km/h with some stronger gusts. A layer of high cirrus clouds thickened almost imperceptibly throughout the day to a solidly overcast sky by early evening. Ground winds disappeared at about the same time we lost the sun behind the mountains which made for a relatively warm end to the day.
Raptor Observations:
******* CORRECTED VERSION ******* Due to a data glitch, the numbers in the table above were not correct at time of submission. *********************************
Migrant Raptors: 9 Golden Eagles (5a, 1s, 3u), 6 Bald Eagles (2a, 1si/ii, 2siii, 1u), 7 Red-tailed Hawks (5 adults, 2 dark/intermediate adults), 2 unidentified eagles, 2 unidentified (small) accipiters, 2 unidentified raptors.
Migrants struggled all day to find an easy way north. High winds from the west blew snow off the peaks most of the day, but did not seem to be providing steady lift. Likewise, some thermal lift was in evidence, but did not seem to provide consistent aid to the raptors. Both ridges were active for most of the day. Some migrants flew over the valley itself, or were only spotted to the north. After 5pm all migrant raptors were observed to the east of the site. A handful of small migrating raptors were spotted; unfortunately, all eluded the principle observer and were otherwise unidentifiable.
Non-migrant Raptors: 2 adult Golden Eagles, 1 adult Northern Goshawk.
The resident Golden Eagle pair were somewhere in the sky for most of the day. One made excellent use of the winds by repeatedly kiting up to great heights before tucking into display dives. At times these dives were conducted with great vigour while other migrant Golden Eagles passed through the valley. We were also blessed with excellent views of one of the resident Northern Goshawk adults who flew overhead along the river clutching something furry in its talons. Thank you to Jessica for spotting this bird!
Non-raptor Observations:
It was an excellent day for avian variety. The meadow was busy early in the morning. Mountain Bluebirds, American Robins, and European Starlings were the most conspicuous. They were joined by a Western Meadowlark and at least one American Pipit. Associated songsters were Dark-eyed Junos, Varied Thrush, American Tree Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Pine Grosbeak, and White-winged Crossbill. The chickadees and nuthatches were also in attendance. An American Dipper sang from various wet places, and was accompanied by another dipper later in the day.
Report submitted by ()
Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Count data submitted via Dunkadoo – [Project Details]
Mount Lorette (14 Apr 2023) 33 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 14, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 1 | 32 | 118 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 9 | 20 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Golden Eagle | 23 | 288 | 1727 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Merlin | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 33 | 361 | 1914 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 13 hours |
| Official Counter | Graeme Dunlop |
| Observers: | Ruth Morrow |
Visitors:
8 visitors. 1 stayed for a couple of hours and helped with spotting.
Weather:
The temperature at 0700 was -7C, reaching a high of 3C. Winds were variable and very light at both ground and ridge level. Early morning skies were clear with some cirrus clouds. Some small cumulus clouds appeared just below the western summits around mid-morning and these grew rapidly. By noon it was quite cloudy and despite spending most of the day in sunshine we were often surrounded by big cumulus and snow-bearing stratocumulus. Some light snow showers in the afternoon. Clouds started to thin from early evening.
Raptor Observations:
There was a varied raptor movement consisting of 33 birds of 8 species. However, when there was thick clouds to the north and/or south of us, we saw no migrating raptors. Golden Eagles moved on both sides of the valley, soaring and gliding, often seemingly adjusting their flight paths to avoid the worst of the weather. 23 Golden Eagles (16a, 1j, 6u), one adult Bald Eagle, a light adult Red-tailed Hawk, 3 Sharp-shinned Hawks (2a, 1u), 1u Coopers Hawk, 1 juvenile Northern Goshawk, 1u Rough-legged Hawk, 2u Merlin, 1 intermediate, 1 dark. Resident birds were 1 adult Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle pair high soaring, hunting and performing undulating display flight high above us and a Northern Goshawk performing display flight.
Non-raptor Observations:
I did not see or hear any Varied Thrushes today. Robins and Juncos were singing most of the morning. 10 Canada Goose, 3 Common Goldeneye, 2 Common Merganser, 1 Ruffed Grouse, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Northern Flicker, 19 Common Raven, 4 Black-capped Chickadee,1 Red breasted Nuthatch, 1 Brown Creeper, 40+ European Starling, 1 Mountain Bluebird, 60+ American Robin, 3 White-winged Crossbill, 2 Pine Siskin, 11 Dark-eyed Junco.
Report submitted by ()
Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Count data submitted via Dunkadoo – [Project Details]
Mount Lorette (13 Apr 2023) 32 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 13, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 7 | 31 | 117 |
| Northern Harrier | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Northern Goshawk | 3 | 8 | 19 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Golden Eagle | 14 | 265 | 1704 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Merlin | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 7 | 17 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 32 | 328 | 1881 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 13 hours |
| Official Counter | Ethan Denton |
| Observers: | Lynette MacCulloch |
Visitors:
17, of which 6 stopped to talk.
Weather:
The day started at -8 and clear, with relatively little wind at any level. By midday, however, the clouds had moved in and observers were treated to varying intensities of snow for much of the remaining time. Ridges faded in and out of the clouds as the systems swirled around us.
Raptor Observations:
Twice raptors made pushes right on the leading edge of a front, with the first primarily Golden Eagles and the second push consisting of more accipiters. It was a good day for variety, with season highs for all 3 accipiters, as well as individuals of Merlin and Northern Harrier.
Both resident Goshawk and Golden Eagle pairs were present, as well as one adult and one immature Bald Eagles. In the morning, one of the Goldens perched on Olympic for a while before being driven off by a Raven.
Non-raptor Observations:
A flock of Mallards flew past, led by a pair of American Wigeon. Varied Thrushes were throughout as always, and the Ruffed Grouse thumped away in the forest. Towards the end of the day, a migrating Sharp-shinned Hawk snatched a Starling out of the meadow. A couple flocks of Bohemian Waxwings flew northwards up the valley – perhaps migrating at last.
Report submitted by Ethan Denton (ethan@suechick.com)
Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Count data submitted via Dunkadoo – [Project Details]
Mount Lorette (12 Apr 2023) Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 12, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 24 | 110 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 5 | 16 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Golden Eagle | 0 | 251 | 1690 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Merlin | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 6 | 16 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 0 | 296 | 1849 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 15:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 6.58 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: |
Visitors:
Not many people were out today. Five stopped to talk.
Weather:
The temperature started at -8C, rose to 1C, and was still 1C when the count was terminated. The start of the day was promising with mostly just cirrus clouds and light west winds. However, the wind had swung to the northeast by midday, and clouds built up. The ridges appeared and disappeared under the clouds and a number of snow squalls passed, making visibility poor. The south end of the valley was a wall of grey cloud. The count was terminated when it was clear from weather radar that the snow would continue and conditions would not improve for the rest of the day.
Raptor Observations:
No migrant raptors were seen.
Three Golden Eagles were seen during the day, but none were judged to be migrating. One Bald Eagle hunted near Mt Lorette.
Non-raptor Observations:
The highlight of the non-raptor species was a small flock of Cassin’s Finches. The lone male Mountain Bluebird was in the meadow, seemingly able to find bugs in spite of the recently fallen snow and freezing temperature. The Ruffed Grouse doesn’t seem too enthused about spring and drummed only a couple of times. A flock of 8 crows looked like they wanted to land in the area, but they were escorted off by some ravens. The non-raptor list is: Canada Goose 2, Hairy Woodpecker 1, American Crow 8, Common Raven 7, Black-capped Chickadee 3, Mountain Bluebird 1, Varied Thrush 4, American Robin 3, Cassin’s Finch 5, White-winged Crossbill 1, Pine Siskin 2, Dark-eyed Junco 3
Report submitted by ()
Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Count data submitted via Dunkadoo – [Project Details]
