Mount Lorette (06 Apr 2023) 43 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 06, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 1 | 16 | 102 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 4 | 15 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Golden Eagle | 38 | 178 | 1617 |
| American Kestrel | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Merlin | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 43 | 204 | 1757 |
| Observation start time: | 06:15:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:15:00 |
| Total observation time: | 13.75 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Alex Dragosz |
Visitors:
The first visitors, a group of eight hikers, showed up right before lunch. After that there was a constant buzz of people around the site for about five hours, totalling about 40 people. Four people came with binoculars and were immensely helpful with spotting some of our high-flying birds.
Weather:
The temperature started out at a pleasant -5C, rose to 5C for most of the afternoon, and had dropped to 2C on departure. There were varying degrees of cloud coverage during the day, ranging from 10% to 50% of a continually changing mixture of cumulus, altocumulus and cirrus. The cumulus clouds moved sedately from the northwest, but winds at ridge level, judging by the plumes of snow coming off the ridges all day, were from the southwest. Ground level winds were also from the southwest, mostly mild, but just strong enough at times to blow over a chair.
Raptor Observations:
Conditions were perfect for smart eagles that like to fly with little effort. There was a steady trickle of them gliding mostly very high and fast from Patrick to Lorette and beyond all day, starting at 08:30. There were 2-4 eagles each hour, except the last hour when there were 5. Apart from one stray Golden Eagle on the west ridge, all the action was between Patrick and Lorette.
The migrant totals were 38 Golden Eagles (23a, 2s, 13u), one Bald Eagle of indeterminate age, a light adult Red-tailed Hawk, an American Kestrel, one large falcon (possibly Peregrine), and one unidentified eagle.
One Golden Eagle was seen displaying rather inexpertly above Lorette early in the morning – flapping energetically to gain height and then doing rather shallow dives – and others were seen hunting a couple of times. One goshawk was seen hunting, and later in the day one was seen carrying prey. Red-tailed Hawks were also seen hunting on a couple of occasions.
Non-raptor Observations:
Non-raptor species were a little disappointing. The shrike put in a very brief appearance, as did the kingfisher. The only singing birds were juncos, robins, and Black-capped Chickadees. A Canada Goose called in the distance, but the Mountain Chickadees and a Red-breasted Nuthatch that were seen were silent. Several pairs of ravens sky-danced off and on all day long over and around Mt Lorette, generating comments like “Barrel roll – so not an eagle again”. (Another word for raven is “not-an-eagle”).
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 (05 Apr 2023) 40 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 05, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 6 | 15 | 101 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 4 | 15 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Golden Eagle | 33 | 140 | 1579 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 40 | 161 | 1714 |
| Observation start time: | 06:15:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:30:00 |
| Total observation time: | 13.25 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Monica Draosz |
Visitors:
About a dozen people stopped at the site to chat. We enjoyed the company and assistance of a lovely guest observer from Canmore.
Weather:
The morning was crisp and bright at -12C with no wind and only shreds of low cloud. The winds increased gradually coming around from the west to the southeast. Scattered cumulus clouds covered ~20% of the sky throughout the day which made for favourable observing conditions. The air temperature rose to 2C by 6pm, though the wind ensured it felt colder than the morning. By sunset the temperature had fallen back to 0C and the winds had died down.
Raptor Observations:
Raptors trickled through the valley all day, rarely repeating a route. Some passed high over the eastern valley almost directly overhead (far too high for the scope). For the last few hours before sunset all the Golden Eagles popped up level with the Pyramid, passed slowly in front of Lorette (teetering like Turkey Vultures), emerging above the Beehive, and slipped behind Lorette. Fortunately, their slow movement across the rock face and the golden light of the sunset made for the best aging opportunities of the day. The last eagle was spotted near official sunset.
Migrant Raptors: 33 Golden Eagles (24a, 1s, 1j, 7u), 6 Bald Eagles (3a, 2si/ii, 2siii), 1adult Northern Goshawk.
Non-migrant Raptors: the resident Northern Goshawk pair were vocal in the morning and evening and appeared a few times over the western valley soaring and displaying. An adult Bald Eagle spent time discovering new places to gain lift and patrolled up and down the river extensively. One of the resident Golden Eagles was also observed patrolling and appeared to encourage a subadult Golden Eagle to continue its migration.
Non-raptor Observations:
A handful of foraging Golden-crowned Kinglets were enchanting company on the walk in to the site in the morning. An adult Northern Shrike commanded the meadow for much of the day, leading to rewarding rounds of âspot the snowballâ for observers. Varied Thrush, American Robin, Mountain Chickadee, and Dark-eyed Junco sang through the day. An American Pipit made multiple eponymous pronouncements.
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 (04 Apr 2023) 39 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 04, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 1 | 9 | 95 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 3 | 14 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Golden Eagle | 36 | 107 | 1546 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 39 | 121 | 1674 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 20:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 13.83 hours |
| Official Counter | Ethan Denton |
| Observers: | Lynette MacCulloch |
Visitors:
We had 12 visitors, and five stayed for varying lengths to help observe.
Weather:
It was a frigid start to the day, at -16°C, and though it warmed to 0°C, it never really felt warm thanks to the ground winds. Cumulus clouds built and collapsed with varying degrees of threat, but the vast majority of the snow that did fall came in short bursts which didn’t affect visibility too much.
Raptor Observations:
In keeping with this season’s trend, eagles began the day around 10:00 and on the western ridge. It was 15:00 by the time one appeared on the eastern ridge, and from then on it was either there or directly overhead in neck-wrecking fashion. One light-morph Red-tailed Hawk flapped northwards over Hummingbird Plume, and singles each of Northern Goshawk and Bald Eagle rounded out the migrant list.
The resident Goldens displayed above Himmingbird and popped up elsewhere throughout the day. Both resident Goshawks were quite vocal in the morning, and both offered good views on the fly-by. A seemingly resident Merlin was also spotted, in rapid pursuit of a small flock of Waxwings.
Non-raptor Observations:
6 Mallards flew over high, and Varied Thrushes called from across the river. Two Northern Flickers and a Hairy Woodpecker were also rather vocal. Later in the day, Tom the Dipper whizzed down the river, and a pair of Hooded Mergansers were seen settling in for the night.
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 (03 Apr 2023) 48 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 03, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 5 | 8 | 94 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 2 | 13 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Golden Eagle | 41 | 71 | 1510 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 48 | 82 | 1635 |
| Observation start time: | 10:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 20:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 8.75 hours |
| Official Counter | Lori Anderson |
| Observers: | Rick Robb |
Visitors:
Fourteen visitors stopped by to talk. A happy hiking group of 7 women stopped to have lunch on our benches while asking many questions to learn about the eagles. They said they hike everywhere together in spite of their age so they can keep on going. They were an inspiration to us, as much as we were to them.
Weather:
The onset of todayâs count was delayed due to snowfall warnings and icy road conditions. It did snow quite heavily in the morning so we started a bit later at 11:30. The Temperature was -3.5C at that time reaching a high of 0C at 16:00, and then returning to -3.5 C by the end of the count. The ground wind speed averaged about 8 Km/h generally from the NE. After 19:00 the wind speed dropped substantially. The ridge winds were moderate from the NE. There were a few snow showers throughout the day with cloud coverage of 80 -100% most of the time but after 18:00 clearing a bit. The cloud coverage on the ridges was constantly changing. One moment it would be clear and the next covered on any given mountain.
Raptor Observations:
Surprisingly, in spite of all of the dismal weather forecasts, we had an above-average day according to the statistics. The final count was 48 migrating Raptors: Golden Eagle 41 (27a, 5sa, 3j, 6 u), Bald Eagle 5 adults, Coopers Hawk 1, and Northern Goshawk 1. The first eagles glided and soared from Mt Kydd past Bogart and off behind the Olympic Summit. The most abundant movement occurred between 15:00 and 18:00 when the focus moved to Lorette and the eastern ridges. They seemed to come from everywhere and wherever they could. Gliding and soaring were sufficient to gain height but after 18:00 they had to implement flapping to make any headway. Non-migrating Raptors: A Northern Goshawk was heard calling on the other side of the river, presumably hunting, and at the end of the day, one called out as we left. One Bald Eagle tricked us after it soared high into the clouds above Mt. Lorette then later flew south over the middle of the valley. An apparent resident Golden Eagle(sa.) tranquilly soared and glided over our heads, quite low, from the South Fisher Range to Mt. Lorette, and was seen hunting near Lorette various times.
Non-raptor Observations:
I think most of the small birds stayed in bed today except for one Black-capped Chickadee that sang his heart out. Two dippers sang by the river and, at one point flew off together in a spinning whirlywish while singing and then landing together just in front of us below a snowbank. Ravens were seen flying everywhere today, back and forth and up and down complicating the count. At sunset, two Robins sang a lullaby to all the rest of the birds in bed in the forest promising them that tomorrow will be a better day. Total: Black-capped Chickadee 1, American Raven 10, Northern Dipper 2, American Robin 5.
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 (02 Apr 2023) 13 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 02, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 3 | 89 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Golden Eagle | 12 | 30 | 1469 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 13 | 34 | 1587 |
| Observation start time: | 09:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 12:30:00 |
| Total observation time: | 3.33 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Lynn Macintosh |
Visitors:
10 of 20 passersby stopped to find out what we were doing and where the eagles are going.
Weather:
The valley remained shrouded in cloud until 10am, delaying the start of the count. Calm winds and -0C temperature made for a lovely morning in the valley. Periods of relatively good visibility, of eagles if not of the ridges themselves, were interspersed with snow squalls from the south. The temperature rose to a high of +0C before falling back to -0C. Shortly after 1pm the winds shifted to the north, blowing in a wall of snow. Radar and forecasts indicated conditions would only worsen, and the count was concluded at 1:20pm MDT.
Raptor Observations:
We enjoyed a remarkably productive 200 minutes of monitoring raptor migration. A total of 12 migrating Golden Eagles were observed (6 adult, 6 unaged). They used both sides of the valley, some only appearing momentarily at Mt. Lorette before melting back into the clouds. Migrants on the west side of the valley appeared between Mt. Kidd and Mt. Bogart before disappearing behind Olympic Summit or into cloud. Migrants on the east side of the valley appeared low in front of Mt. Patrick. Poor visibility, low light, limited soaring, and brief views conspired to keep half of todayâs migrant eagles unaged. Other Migrant Raptors: a juvenile Northern Goshawk, with a full crop, circled low over the river before continuing north. Non-migrant Raptors: the resident Northern Goshawks were heard calling from the west side of the valley in the morning. A local adult Golden Eagle patrolled the area.
Non-raptor Observations:
At least four Varied Thrush were singing throughout the valley in the morning. Small skeins of Mallard and Canada Goose flew down the river. Pine Siskin, Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Dark-eyed Junco, and Mountain Chickadee were all singing as well. Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and American Robin all confined their vocalizations to calls.
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]
