Mount Lorette (12 Apr 2024) 3 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 12, 2024 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 16 | 75 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 7 | 8 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 17 | 20 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 3 | 7 |
| Golden Eagle | 3 | 171 | 1756 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 1 | 14 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 3 | 222 | 1895 |
| Observation start time: | 08:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 17:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 7.62 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Ruth Morrow |
Visitors:
Only two people stopped to ask about the count.
Weather:
The temperature started at 4C, rose to 9C, and was 8C at departure time. Cumulus clouds raced across the sky all day from the west, with cirrus clouds above, ranging from 50% coverage of the sky to 100%. Both ridges were clear in the morning, but by mid-afternoon the west ridge was variably hidden by clouds and rain (or snow), with some of the rain drops reaching us. Ground winds were calm in the morning, but increased to about 30kph, from the west, in the afternoon. Snow was blowing off the ridges in the afternoon, particularly on the west ridge. Mountains to the south were hidden from view during the afternoon.
Raptor Observations:
Despite apparently good migration conditions, only 3 Golden Eagles (2a, 1u) were seen migrating. All three flew high above the east ridge. No other migrants were seen.
Throughout the day there were a number of sightings of two Red-tailed Hawks (keeping company with each other). One resident Golden Eagle was seen several times. Two adult Bald Eagles were seen together over the east ridge, but did not appear to be migrating. A couple of American Goshawks flew west across Hummingbird Plume together, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk appeared to be looking for prey close to us to the north. So there were quite a few raptors to look at, but only the three Golden Eagles were heading in a northerly direction.
Non-raptor Observations:
On a sad note – it appears that very few of the willows along the river bank are producing flowers (the fuzzy white “pussies” or catkins). My guess is that due to the low level of water in the river, the water table is low, and these water-loving plants are not getting enough water. Hopefully most of them will survive this period of drought.
Species other than raptors were plentiful: Canada Goose 2, Common Merganser 2, Ruffed Grouse 2 (both drumming), Pileated Woodpecker 1, Northern Shrike 1, Canada Jay 1, American Crow 2, Common Raven 4, Black-capped Chickadee 2, Mountain Chickadee 3, Boreal Chickadee 1, Golden-crowned Kinglet 1, Mountain Bluebird 4 (2m, 2f), Varied Thrush 3, American Robin 11, Bohemian Waxwing 9, Dark-eyed Junco 12
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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 (11 Apr 2024) 9 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 11, 2024 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 16 | 75 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 17 | 20 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 3 | 7 |
| Golden Eagle | 6 | 168 | 1753 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 1 | 14 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 9 | 219 | 1892 |
| Observation start time: | 09:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 16:15:00 |
| Total observation time: | 7.25 hours |
| Official Counter | Jessica Banas |
| Observers: | Caroline Lambert, Lynette MacCulloch |
Visitors:
We had 7 visitors throughout the day who stopped to talk, but otherwise the trail was quiet. Special thanks to our Observer Caroline for stopping by in the afternoon.
Weather:
The sky was covered by high clouds for the whole day, with some haze over the west ridges. The temperature started at 3C and rose to 8C towards the end of the day. The winds would gust quite a bit on the ground but it was hard to get a sense of the ridge winds with the cloud cover and haze.
Raptor Observations:
Two migrating golden eagles were seen early into the count, with none seen again until 4pm (3a, 3sa). There were a number of Sharp-shinned hawks migrating (2j, 1a). A couple of local bald eagles were seen mid-afternoon (1a, 1sa), and a local merlin was seen as well (1a taiga male).
Non-raptor Observations:
What a wonderful passerine observation day! We were treated to many visitors in the valley this afternoon. Some early male red-winged blackbirds were seen early in the morning, 4 Mountain Bluebirds stopped by to the delight of some visitors, and over 30 juncos were seen at once sitting on the trail in the afternoon. Suddenly, the valley became very quiet and a Northern Shrike made an appearance, perching at various spots along the river. There were also three white-tailed deer seen a number of times throughout the day, in the valley or river. The true highlight were two Mink seen multiple times throughout the afternoon running together through the rocks on the rivers edge, and swimming up and down river. Other observations: 2 Canada Geese, 2 Common Merganser, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Northern Shrike, 4 Common Raven, 2 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 Mountain Chickadee, 1 Boreal Chickadee, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 4 Mountain Bluebird, 2 Varied Thrush, 4 American Robin, 31 Bohemian Waxwing, 34 Dark-eyed Junco, 2 Red-winged Blackbird.
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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 (10 Apr 2024) 8 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 10, 2024 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 3 | 16 | 75 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 2 | 17 | 20 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 3 | 7 |
| Golden Eagle | 0 | 162 | 1747 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Buteo | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 8 | 210 | 1883 |
| Observation start time: | 09:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 16:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 7 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Glenn Webber |
Visitors:
About 9 people stopped by to chat about the count and a few got to see the resident Golden Eagle. Special thanks to Randy for his help in the afternoon.
Weather:
The morning started out at 1°C, rose to 10°C by 3:00 pm, and fell to 5°C by 5:00 pm. Ground winds were from the SW/SSW throughout the day, usually between 5 and 10 km/h. Bits of spindrift off the east ridges in the later afternoon were our only indication of ridge winds. Scattered cumulus clouds in the morning and patches of cirrus cloud in the afternoon broke up the otherwise clear blue sky. It was a beautiful day and seemed to be good conditions for migration, but the Golden Eagles disagreed.
Raptor Observations:
Observation conditions were good, if bright, all day but few raptors moved through the valley. Even the resident ravens and Golden Eagles were seen sparingly; the resident American Goshawks were seen a little more often.
Migrant Eagles No Migrant Golden Eagles were observed. 3 Bald Eagles: 1a, 1sa, 1j 1 Undifferentiated Eagle
Migrant Raptors 2 Red-tailed Hawk: 2a 1 Cooperâs Hawk: 1a 1 Unidentified Buteo
Non-migrant Raptors One of the local Golden Eagles was observed cruised back and forth in front of Bogart for most of the day. Both resident American Goshawks were seen over the west side of the valley, with one displaying over Hummingbird Plume in the early afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations:
Three Mountain Bluebirds and a Northern Shrike kept us company throughout the day, though never at the same time. A Ruffed Grouse drummed all day. The song of a Golden-crowned Kinglet and a Violent-green Swallow flying up river were appreciated highlights. 2 Canada Goose 2 Common Merganser 1 Ruffed Grouse 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Shrike 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Mountain Chickadee 1 Violet-green Swallow 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 3 Mountain Bluebird 13 American Robin 4 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 (09 Apr 2024) 4 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 09, 2024 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 13 | 72 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 2 | 15 | 18 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 3 | 7 |
| Golden Eagle | 2 | 162 | 1747 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 4 | 202 | 1875 |
| Observation start time: | 08:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 17:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 7.45 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Lynette MacCulloch |
Visitors:
11 people stopped to chat, and two of them stopped to watch for eagles with us for a while.
Weather:
The temperature started out at 4C, rose to 7C, then dropped to 3C by the end. The day was marked by occasional light snow flurries and ridges disappearing and re-appearing in the clouds. The west ridge was partly clear all day, but never free of clouds, and the east ridge was mostly clear, although at the end of the count it was completely obscured by a heavy snow squall. Ground winds gusted up to 30kph from the west, ridge winds were strong from a westerly direction, and upper winds were strong from the west.
Raptor Observations:
Only two Golden Eagles (1sa, 1u) seemed to think it was worth dodging clouds and snow all day, and those were seen in the morning when there were fewer flurries. Two adult Red-tailed Hawks were also seen heading north in the morning.
During the day one of the resident Golden Eagles was seen doing beautiful display dives over the east ridge, and two adult Red-tailed Hawks were seen apparently hunting over Hummingbird Plume, then moving to the south.
Non-raptor Observations:
A Ruffed Grouse was drumming constantly all morning. Other birds were:
Northern Shrike 1, Common Raven 7, Black-capped Chickadee 1, Boreal Chickadee 3, Red-breasted Nuthatch 2, Varied Thrush 1, American Robin 12
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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 (08 Apr 2024) 41 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 08, 2024 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 13 | 72 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| American Goshawk | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 3 | 13 | 16 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 3 | 7 |
| Golden Eagle | 38 | 160 | 1745 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 41 | 198 | 1871 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 17:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 11 hours |
| Official Counter | Graeme Dunlop |
| Observers: | Caroline Lambert, Rick Robb |
Visitors:
About 14 people stopped by to chat. There were 2 visitors who helped spot during the afternoon.
Weather:
The temperature was 0 C at the start of observation, it rose to +5 by the middle of the day, then fell to +4 as we were leaving. Ground wind was from the SW and light in the morning, increasing from late morning with gusts around 20 km/h. Ridge wind appeared to be moderate from the W-SW. Cloud cover was around 50% at dawn with a brief light snow flurry, mostly cumulus and stratocumulus, decreasing to 20% cumulus from mid morning to early afternoon, before increasing again to 70% cirrostratus, cumulus and stratocumulus by late afternoon with occasional light snow. Some western ridges were shrouded in cloud from mid afternoon. No eagles were seen after 4p.m. so the count was ended at 6p.m. with heavy looking snow clouds building to the south and west.
Raptor Observations:
After a promising early start with 12 Golden Eagles seen between 08:00 and 08:30, movement was a steady trickle of 1 to 3 eagles per hour until about 14:00 when movement picked up slightly until the last eagles were seen at 15:50. Birds in the morning and early afternoon were using both east and west ridges, soaring and gliding. Later birds were seen mostly gliding quite high and fast over the eastern ridges and across to Mt Lorette. Days total was 41 migrants including 38 Golden Eagles (15a, 2sa, 1juv, 20u) and 3 Red-tailed Hawks (1 adult intermediate, 2u). Non-migrants included the resident Golden Eagles, 1 Red-tailed Hawk and 1 American Goshawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
8 Canada Geese, 15 Gulls (sp), 1 American Three-toed Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 15 Common Ravens, 4 Chickadee sp., 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2 Varied Thrushes, 100+ American Robins, 2 Mountain Bluebirds, 1 Northern Shrike, 5 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]
