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]
Mount Lorette (11 Apr 2023) Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 11, 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 |
(No count conducted today)
Weather:
Thick clouds blanketed the mountains when I arrived on site in the morning, and the snow fell steadily for several hours. I spent the morning waiting and watching from different parts of the valley in the hopes that conditions would change, and they did! They changed abruptly from the heavy snow, to sleet. With the forecast not promising, and no indication down the valley that things would change, I decided to call the day at around 12:30.
Raptor Observations:
Much to no-one’s surprise, no raptors flew today. Even the resident Goshawks were quiet. Had the resident eagles been present, they would have been hidden in the clouds.
Non-raptor Observations:
Varied Thrushes continue to sing throughout the site area, as do Dark-eyed Juncos and American Robins. A pair of ravens flew low through the valley, and some Siskins passed overhead calling cheerfully.
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]
Mount Lorette (10 Apr 2023) 2 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 10, 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 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 5 | 16 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 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: | 2 | 296 | 1849 |
| Observation start time: | 05:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 11:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 5.25 hours |
| Official Counter | Lori Anderson |
| Observers: | Sandy Graham |
Visitors:
8 Visitors.
Weather:
Although the weather forecast predicted somewhat reasonable conditions for the morning and early afternoon, it was not to be. At 8:00, a rainbow appeared in front of Mt. Bogart, and by 11:00, the few ridges that were visible had disappeared behind the rain clouds. The forecast for the rest of the day was for more rain and snow. Initially, there was no ground wind, and when it did pick up a bit it was from the south and southwest. At 11:00 winds switched to the north at about 10 Km/h. The temperature was initially 2C and rose to 5C at 11:00 but fell back to 4C as we left the site in the rain at 11:45.
Raptor Observations:
The only migrating raptors seen today were a Cooper’s Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk. The Cooperâs Hawk appeared at the crack of dawn, flapping and gliding as it made its way northward high above the valley on the east side. The Red-tailed Hawk showed up soaring over the west side of the meadow as we were leaving the site. A resident adult Bald Eagle sat for a while in the trees on the other side of the river then swooped down below the trees and continued on to the South. A Goshawk was heard calling across the river.
Non-raptor Observations:
The meadow and forest were alive with bird chatter and song (Phew! Finally!). Robins seem to have overtaken the meadow. 1 Northern Dipper, 20+ American Robins, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 6 Common Ravens, 8 Black-capped Chickadees, 1 Mountain Chickadee, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 5 European Starlings, 4 Varied Thrush, 5 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Canada Geese, 1 Canada Jay, 1 Northern Flicker.
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 (09 Apr 2023) 16 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 09, 2023 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 4 | 24 | 110 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 5 | 16 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Golden Eagle | 9 | 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 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 6 | 16 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 16 | 294 | 1847 |
| Observation start time: | 06:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:15:00 |
| Total observation time: | 12.25 hours |
| Official Counter | Blake Weis |
| Observers: | Allison Zukewich |
Visitors:
30 visitors stopped to talk. 3 stayed for a bit to watch for raptors.
Weather:
The day began at 3C, rose to a high of 9 and had fallen to 8 as we were leaving. It was very windy with gusts from the SSW-WSW around 40 km/h. At ridge level wind was very strong from the WSW. Cloud cover was a constantly changing but was most often around 60-80%.
Raptor Observations:
It was a slow day for migration, perhaps the very strong (100+ km/h) ridge winds were too much for stable flight. The movements of one of the migrating eagles as it was kiting into the updrafts reminded me of a car barely keeping control on an icy road. What few migrants we did see were almost all very high, detected out in the sky between Patrick and Lorette before they flew well over Mt. Lorette. Some of them passed above the lowest layer of cumulus clouds. Light and cloud conditions were good but the speed, distance, and angles migrants were viewed from made many of them impossible to age.
At least one resident Goshawk was heard calling in the morning, then not long after was seen hunting over Hummingbird Plume Hill. One of the local Golden Eagles was seen as well.
Non-raptor Observations:
11 Canada Goose 1 Ruffed Grouse 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Canada Jay 9 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Mountain Chickadee 2 Boreal Chickadee 3 chickadee sp. 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 1 European Starling 2 Mountain Bluebird 3 Varied Thrush 20 American Robin 2 White-winged Crossbill 5 Pine Siskin 6 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]
