Mount Lorette (30 Sep 2022) 16 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 30, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 1 | 13 | 13 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 2 | 29 | 29 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 11 | 11 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 7 | 155 | 155 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Unknown Raptor | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Total: | 16 | 251 | 251 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 11.67 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Lynette MacCulloch, Rosemary Power |
Visitors:
28 people stopped to chat, including many children.
Special thanks to Dave Stewart for all his help today.
Weather:
The clouds threatened rain for most of the morning, but did not follow through. The temperature rose from a comfortable 6C in the morning to a warm-if-you-are-in-the-sun 15C. The wind was uncharacteristically calm and stayed stubbornly from the northeast. The near-constant cloud cover provided favourable spotting conditions, though lighting was mostly poor.
Raptor Observations:
The conditions proved slightly more productive than the previous few days with a total of 16 migrant raptors, 7 of which were Golden Eagles.
Resident/Non-migratory Raptors: Bald Eagle (1a) Northern Goshawk (1a)
Non-raptor Observations:
We were treated to a number of great birds today including a Northern Shrike (an honorary raptor), Clarkâs Nutcracker, Swamp Sparrow, Townsendâs Solitaire, Varied Thrush, and two American Dippers (Tom serenaded us for a while from the riverbank).
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 (29 Sep 2022) 4 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 29, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 1 | 12 | 12 |
| Northern Harrier | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 27 | 27 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 0 | 148 | 148 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total: | 4 | 235 | 235 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 17:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 9.25 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Lynette MacCulloch, Rick Robb |
Visitors:
10 visitors came by, including four with binoculars who wanted to help spot migrating eagles. We were sorry to disappoint them, but it was obvious that the weather was not cooperating. A female Belted Kingfisher fishing in the river provided some consolation.
Weather:
With cloudy skies most of the day, the temperature stayed in a narrow range, starting at 8C, and ending at 13C. There was very little wind at any level, ground, ridge, or high. The light ridge winds were mostly from the northeast, which is never very good for finding migrating eagles. Cloud cover was initially 100% altocumulus and altostratus, leaving the ridges clear and giving some hope that we’d see something. However, the clouds gradually lowered, and a soaking rain shower hit us around noon. There was a brief break in the clouds and the sun shone in mid-afternoon, again giving us hope for seeing some migrants, but after the clouds closed in again and rain started to fall at 1630 with continuing rain forecast, we abandoned the count for the day.
Raptor Observations:
In spite of the conditions, a few migrants were seen, although sadly no Golden Eagles. A Merlin flew up the river quickly in the morning. In the afternoon we saw a Northern Harrier, a juvenile Bald Eagle, and a Cooper’s Hawk all making their way south along the west side of the valley.
Non-raptor Observations:
Some of the smaller birds were more active today, including a Swamp Sparrow hiding in the willows, teasing us by calling constantly but giving us only very brief glimpses. Kinglets were numerous – 7 Ruby-crowned and at least 4 Golden-crowned. All three species of chickadee came by, accompanying the kinglets (2 Black-capped, 1 Mountain, 2 Boreal). 6 or more Red-breasted Nuthatches were making a fuss along the path. In addition to those there were 4 American Robins, 4 Dark-eyed Juncos, 2 Common Ravens, one Northern Flicker, 2 Belted Kingfishers (one male, one female), and the Ruffed Grouse serenaded us with his drumming as we left.
Report submitted by Caroline Lambert (caroline144@gmail.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 (28 Sep 2022) 10 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 28, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 27 | 27 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 6 | 148 | 148 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total: | 10 | 231 | 231 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 12 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Monique Wendling |
Visitors:
Most passers-by stopped to talk about the count today, about 20 in all. A few stayed for a while to help scan for raptors.
Weather:
Another day of magnificent weather and underwhelming migratory movement. Despite frost on the ground, the dawn air felt warm, hinting at the heat to come. The temperature hovered around 3C for a while before rising quickly once the sun hit the valley floor. Peaking at 23C with only scattered cirrus clouds, the intensity of the sun had us hiding in the shade for most of the day. Winds were calm until mid-afternoon when the only eagles of the day moved through in the span of two hours.
Raptor Observations:
10 Migratory Raptors: 6 Golden Eagle (1a, 5u) 1 Unknown Eagle 1 Cooperâs Hawk (1a) 1 Unknown Accipiter 1 Red-tailed Hawk (1a)
An adult Red-tailed Hawk soaring along the western ridges and an unidentified accipiter moving south along the eastern were all the first 7 hours of scanning produced.
Most migrants moved past between 3 and 5pm in the only rush of the day, all using the east side of the valley, each appearing at a different place and height. Harsh light, distance, and flight-style made aging difficult.
Non-raptor Observations:
Another slow day for smaller birds. There was a flurry of excitement at one point with a high-speed kingfisher chase along the river and through the trees. eBird checklist: ebird.org/checklist/S119616887
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 (27 Sep 2022) 17 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 27, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 27 | 27 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 14 | 142 | 142 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total: | 17 | 221 | 221 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 11.83 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Ian Dowson |
Visitors:
33 people came by in small groups, many eager to learn about the count, and a few with binoculars to help spot, which is always appreciated.
Weather:
It was unseasonably warm, with a starting temperature of 4C, and a high of 22C. It had cooled to 15C when we left. The sky was mostly blue with a few cirrus clouds that helped making spotting a bit easier in the afternoon. Winds were light all day on the ground, and there was just enough ridge wind that the migrants could fly mostly without soaring.
Raptor Observations:
It was a disappointing day for migrants as there was sufficient ridge wind for movement, and no obvious weather system to the north to hinder progress. A total of 17 migrants were seen: 14 Golden Eagles (8a, 1sa, 5u), 1 Cooper’s Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, and one small accipiter.
The best bird of the day was a juvenile dark morph Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk that flew low over us and hunted for a few minutes along the power line on the other side of the meadow. Other non-migrants were a Bald Eagle that flew high and fast across the valley and disappeared over the east ridge, an adult Red-tailed Hawk that hunted on the west side of the valley, the usual resident Northern Goshawk, and an adult Golden Eagle that did some display flights in front of Patrick.
Non-raptor Observations:
If the number of migrants was disappointing, it was more so for the smaller birds. Apart from the ever present ravens (about nine of those), three robins were detected early in the morning and no non-raptors were seen after that.
Report submitted by Caroline Lambert (caroline144@gmail.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 (26 Sep 2022) 21 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 26, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 1 | 11 | 11 |
| Northern Harrier | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 4 | 27 | 27 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 11 | 128 | 128 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total: | 21 | 204 | 204 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 18:30:00 |
| Total observation time: | 8 hours |
| Official Counter | Lori Anderson |
| Observers: | Eric Langshaw, Mustafa Onder Ersin, Rosemary Power |
Visitors:
About 25 interested visitors and friends stopped by.
Weather:
From heated socks to bare feet. The temperature in the wee hours of the morning was 3°C and quickly changed with the scorching sun after sunrise reaching 22°C. Wisps of cirrus clouds varied from 10% to 70% throughout the day and a thin humid mist filled the air. There was only a slight breeze at ground level and under 10 Km/h at ridge level for most of the day and consequently few birds ventured out to migrate.
Raptor Observations:
Most of the raptors appeared between 14:00 and 17:00 with about half using the eastern route and the rest found to the west or valley center. 11 Golden Eagles (7a,3sa,1u), 1 adult Bald Eagle, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 4 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Northern Goshawk, 1 Coopers Hawk and 1 large falcon. Numerous sightings of a Non-migrating Northern Goshawk throughout the day.
Non-raptor Observations:
145 American Robins, 42 Canada Geese, 1 Common Merganser, 1 Black-billed Magpie, 18 Common Ravens, 2 Boreal Chickadees, 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Sparrow sp., 1 Varied Thrush, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 1 Clarkâs Nutcracker, 10 Dark-eyed Junco, 1 Snowshoe hare, 2 Red Squirrels, and Mourning Cloak butterflies everywhere.
Report submitted by ()
Mount Lorette information may be found at: eaglewatch.ca
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
