Mount Lorette (27 Mar 2025) Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 27, 2025 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 0 | 818 | 818 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipitrine | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 0 | 849 | 849 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 09:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 2.12 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: |
Weather:
A short and excessively optimistic count was conducted at the Kananaskis River bridge. A weather system moved in overnight, but there was some indication of a break in the weather early in the morning. Sure enough, arriving at the bridge there was a hint of blue sky in a sea of cloud that covered the ridges down to below the tree line. However, the clouds closed in from the northeast and visibility was reduced. The count was terminated at 1000 in light rain due to poor and deteriorating weather conditions, with the forecast predicting more of the same for today, and possibly for the next two days.
Raptor Observations:
No raptors were seen.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds were active: 2 Canada Geese, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, 8 Common Ravens, 2 Varied Thrushes, 18 American Robins, 1 Dark-eyed Junco
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Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Mount Lorette (26 Mar 2025) 124 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 26, 2025 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 3 | 23 | 23 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 121 | 818 | 818 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipitrine | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 124 | 849 | 849 |
| Observation start time: | 09:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 9.5 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Xavier Gorloo |
Visitors:
A local grade 5 class visited the site during the peak of eagle movement in the early afternoon and were able to see many migrants over Patrick and the Bumps.
About 20 other people stopped by to chat about the count.
Weather:
The start of the count was delayed due to low stratus clouds. The morning started out at 2°C, rose to 10°C by 4 pm, and fell to 9°C by sundown. The stratus clouds shrouding the mountains burned off in the morning leaving excellent migration conditions. Ground winds rose from calm in the morning to moderate in the afternoon and were predominantly from the NE. Ridge winds were calm in the early morning. Cirrus and cumulus clouds made for excellent observation conditions.
Raptor Observations:
Migrant Eagles A slow morning gave way to a flurry of early afternoon activity; 87 Golden Eagles were observed between noon and 2 pm. Almost all eagles used the east ridges. Many migrants used powered flight, especially in the morning and evening. 121 Golden Eagles: 63a, 58u 3 Bald Eagles: 3a
No other migrant raptors were observed.
Non-migrant Raptors The local Golden Eagle pair were observed around Mt. Bogart a few times during the day.
Non-raptor Observations:
The highlight of the day was a visit from three Lynx close to the site. We were also graced with good views of a Pileated Woodpecker and a Northern Shrike. Two American Dippers chattered from the riverâs edge in the morning. Varied Thrushes also sang from the forest in the morning. An American Tree Sparrow was a welcome harbinger of spring.
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Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Mount Lorette (25 Mar 2025) 16 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 25, 2025 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 16 | 697 | 697 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipitrine | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 16 | 725 | 725 |
| Observation start time: | 07:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 18:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 10.5 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Lynette MacCulloch |
Visitors:
Besides the school group of about 25 children and adults, about 15 people stopped to talk. Thanks again to Ed for helping to spot.
Weather:
The day started out promising, with some blue sky, and the sun felt warm when it rose over the east ridge. But it didn’t last. The only redeeming feature of the weather was the warm temperature – it started at -1C and rose to 8C before dropping to 7C at the end of the day. As the day progressed, stratus clouds became more widespread and lower. The higher peaks disappeared in the afternoon and were not seen again, and the lower parts of the ridges faded in and out as light rain came and went. There was very little ground wind, and apparently not much wind at ridge level, as any eagles seen were needing to soar in thermals or flap to make any progress. The last migrant eagle was seen at 1615, and the count was terminated in light rain at 1830.
Raptor Observations:
There was hope for a good day of migration as the first Golden Eagle was seen low over Nakiska around 0830. However, by noon only six Golden Eagles had been seen, and only one was in sight when the school group of binocular-wielding children came by. We’re not sure how many of them saw that Golden Eagle, but most of them saw a Bald Eagle, and they seemed excited to see ravens.
The total was 16 Golden Eagles (13a, 3u), and no other migrants were seen. This year’s total to date of 697 Golden Eagles is the second lowest in the same time period (2012 was lower), and only a little more than half the average for this time of year. With snow and rain forecast for the next few days, it does not seem the numbers will improve.
Three non-migrant raptors were spotted – the two resident Golden Eagles, and an American Goshawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
For once there was a bit of variety in the non-raptor species. Thrushes were represented by a single singing Varied Thrush and three American Robins, but we were wondering where the Mountain Bluebirds have got to. Other birds were:
Canada Goose 4, Swan sp. 4, Ruffed Grouse 2, Great Blue Heron 1, Pileated Woodpecker 2, Canada Jay 2, Common Raven 15, Black-capped Chickadee 2, Mountain Chickadee 1, Red-breasted Nuthatch 1, American Dipper 1, European Starling 3, American Robin 3, Bohemian Waxwing 25, Red-winged Blackbird 1
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Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Mount Lorette (24 Mar 2025) 27 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 24, 2025 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 27 | 681 | 681 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipitrine | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 27 | 709 | 709 |
| Observation start time: | 08:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 11 hours |
| Official Counter | Lori Anderson |
| Observers: | Xavier Gorloo |
Visitors:
About 20 people stopped to inquire about our activities and the Lawrence Grassi Middle School brought one lucky class to observe. Many of the children even brought their own binoculars.
Weather:
The weather forecast was not great and called for a 30% chance of rain all day. A persistent squall was kept at bay to the south of the valley and was most likely the cause of the low count today. We were sprinkled with rain droplets and graupel throughout the day. The starting temperature was 3C, rising to 7C and back down to 4C at the end of the count. Moderate SW ground winds with quite a few gusts up to 15 Km/h and moderate ridge winds seemingly from the WNW. The eastern ridges were clear for most of the day except for a period when the southern storm conquered a few of them. The western ridges were compromised all day. The cloud coverage averaged about 80% cumulus, cirrus, and stratus.
Raptor Observations:
The first Eagle came at 12:54, then an hour later came the second. Between 16:00 and 18:00 we had the highest count. Many glided from Patrick to Lorette and others appeared at Lorette then glided in front and flew around to the back at the west edge near the beehive. The final count was 27 Golden Eagles (22 adults, 2 subadults, 3 unaged).
The resident golden eagles were extraordinarily active all day. We were kept on our toes through moments of courtship display and altercations with ravens amid countless flights in every direction. At one point two of them landed on an eastern ridge for a rest. The only other non-migrant seen was an adult bald eagle flying south.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other sightings were numerous ever-present Ravens, 17 Bohemian Waxwings, 1 Canada Jay, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 3 Common Mergansers, 2 Canada Geese. 3 White-tailed Deer and 1 Red Squirrel.
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 (23 Mar 2025) 17 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 23, 2025 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 17 | 654 | 654 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipitrine | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 17 | 682 | 682 |
| Observation start time: | 08:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 18:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 9.5 hours |
| Official Counter | Dan Parliament |
| Observers: | Sofia Preece |
Visitors:
There were approximately 20 visitors who stopped to chat. A special thank you to George in the AM and Jessica in the PM who assisted with spotting and aging of the migrant Golden Eagles !
Weather:
The opening temperature was 0 C, rising to a high of +4 C at noon and remaining stable throughout the day. Ground winds were generally SW at 1-5 km/hr with gusts to 10 km/hr. The skies were overcast with Stratocumulus cover, and both ridges were generally clear throughout the day. The ridge winds were estimated to be from the SW at “Medium” ( 11-40 km/hr).
Raptor Observations:
A total of 17 Golden Eagle migrants (13 Adults, 4 Unaged) were observed during the day. The migrants generally flew very high and fast across the East ridges to Lorette. The resident Golden Eagle pair were active throughout the day, hunting over Hummingbird Plume and circling Mt Lorette. Two resident adult Bald Eagles were observed flying South.
Non-raptor Observations:
Pileated Woodpecker x 2, Northern Shrike X 1, Canada Jay x 2, Common Raven x 7, Black-capped Chickadee x 4, American Mink x 1
Report submitted by ()
Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
