Mount Lorette (08 Oct 2022) 86 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 08, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 20 | 33 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 1 | 6 | 35 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 6 | 17 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 8 | 15 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 14 | 23 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 83 | 426 | 581 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 6 | 8 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 5 | 11 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Eagle | 2 | 7 | 11 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Total: | 86 | 507 | 758 |
| Observation start time: | 06:45:00 |
| Observation end time: | 18:15:00 |
| Total observation time: | 11.33 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Deb Hornsby |
Visitors:
About 20 people stopped to chat with us. One very helpful and enthusiastic visitor brought a scope and binoculars.
Weather:
Yet another day with cloudless skies and light winds. The temperature was a bit cooler to start than previous days, at -2C, but the sun soon warmed things up and it reached a high of 19C, cooling rapidly to 10C when the sun went behind the west ridge. The ridge winds swung around the compass, going from northwest to northeast to southeast to south. It was only when the ridge winds had built up and were coming from the southwest that the migration picked up.
Raptor Observations:
The first eagles were spotted shortly after 10am. These were using thermals to gain height over Mt Lorette, difficult to see against the blue sky and in slight haze, then flying low along the east ridge, often using powered flight, continuing a pattern from previous days. As the day wore on and the ridge winds strengthened, the eagles were able to maintain the height gained from soaring on thermals over Mt Lorette, and glided quickly along the east ridge without much need for more soaring. The count was 83 Golden Eagles (43a, 10sa, 10j, 20u) and one Sharp-shinned Hawk. Two eagles were unidentified.
One resident adult Golden Eagle was seen hunting near Collembola in the morning, and a Northern Goshawk, presumed resident, flew north down the river in front of us.
Non-raptor Observations:
The Ruffed Grouse was drumming nearly all day. The dipper was conspicuous in his absence, but the Belted Kingfisher put in an appearance again. Other birds were: 2 Common Mergansers, 1 Great Horned Owl, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Canada Jay, 2 Black-billed Magpies, 5 Common Ravens, 3 Black-capped Chickadees, 1 Mountain Chickadee, 1 Brown Creeper, 1 Varied Thrush, 5 American Robins, and one Purple Finch.
Predictions:
Prediction: a cold front is forecast to come through late Monday. This should result in strong southwest winds and substantial raptor movement over the next few days.
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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 (07 Oct 2022) 123 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 07, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Bald Eagle | 6 | 20 | 33 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 5 | 34 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 6 | 17 |
| Northern Goshawk | 3 | 8 | 15 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 8 | 14 | 23 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 104 | 343 | 498 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 6 | 8 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 1 | 5 | 11 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Unknown Falcon | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown Eagle | 0 | 5 | 9 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Total: | 123 | 421 | 672 |
| Observation start time: | 06:45:00 |
| Observation end time: | 18:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 11.25 hours |
| Official Counter | Graeme Dunlop |
| Observers: |
Visitors:
32. Thanks to Dave Stewart for his excellent assistance.
Weather:
Another warm, clear day. A very slight haze but not as noticeable as the previous day. Some high cirrus clouds appeared in the afternoon. Observing conditions were quite good. Temperatures from 0 degC in the morning to a high of 19 degC. Both ground and ridge winds were calm to light all day.
Raptor Observations:
Eagles first appeared just after midday, soaring over Mt. Lorette before gliding across to the Fisher Range. Decent movement of eagles continued for the rest of the day, apart from a bit of a mid afternoon lull. Many birds were seen soaring high on thermals above Mt Lorette before gliding across the valley where they were able to regain height, soaring on thermals over the east ridge. By later afternoon, they were often able to maintain those heights during the glide across the river valley, traveling at quite high speed south along the Fisher Range without the need for additional soaring. It’s possible there were some high level winds assisting them. At one point a kettle of 10 Golden Eagles formed over N end of Fisher Range (Patrick). 104 Golden Eagles total (47a, 10 juv, 47 u). Other migrants were 3 Northern Goshawk, 8 Red-tailed Hawks, 6 Bald Eagles, 1 unidentified large falcon.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds included a Belted Kingfisher, Northern Shrike, Ruffed Grouse.
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 (06 Oct 2022) 27 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 06, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 14 | 27 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 0 | 5 | 34 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 2 | 6 | 17 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 5 | 12 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 0 | 6 | 15 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 20 | 239 | 394 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 6 | 8 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 2 | 4 | 10 |
| Unknown Buteo | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 5 | 9 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Total: | 27 | 298 | 549 |
| Observation start time: | 07:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 11.17 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Graeme Dunlop, Lynette MacCulloch |
Visitors:
25 visitors came by and chatted with us.
Weather:
The weather pattern from previous days continued with blue skies, few clouds, a slight haze (an orange glow to the sunrise suggested a distant forest fire), and warm temperatures, ranging from 0C in the morning to a high of 16C, dropping to 12C at the end of the day. Initially the wind was calm, but it picked up in the afternoon, coming from the northeast. At ridge level the wind was light and also from the northeast. These conditions were not favourable either for the migrating raptors or spotting them.
Raptor Observations:
The first few eagles were spotted soaring above Mt Lorette around noon. These were then picked up flying low over the east ridge. As the northeast wind increased, though, it appeared that most eagles were coming in low and disappearing behind the east ridge. Some were seen low over the south end of the Fisher Range, but some did not reappear. A few came in high, but dropped quickly and disappeared behind the ridge. Nearly all were using powered flight. The tally at the end of the day was 20 Golden Eagles (10a, 1sa, 9u), 2 Cooper’s Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 small accipiter, 1 buteo sp. and 1 unknown eagle.
Non-raptor Observations:
A couple of dippers entertained us in the morning, and one of the Belted Kingfishers flew past in the afternoon. The Swamp Sparrow is still hiding in the willows, and the Ruffed Grouse is still drumming. Other birds were a Northern Shrike, a Black-billed Magpie, a Brown Creeper, and 5 Common Ravens. At least 20 American Robins flew by heading south.
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 Oct 2022) 42 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 05, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Bald Eagle | 1 | 14 | 27 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 1 | 5 | 34 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 1 | 4 | 15 |
| Northern Goshawk | 0 | 4 | 11 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 4 | 6 | 15 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 28 | 219 | 374 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Unknown Raptor | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Total: | 42 | 271 | 522 |
| Observation start time: | 07:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 19:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 12 hours |
| Official Counter | Annie Finch |
| Observers: | Cliff Hansen, Ian Dowson |
Visitors:
We had 34 visitors to the site today, including a handful who stayed to help spot raptors.
Weather:
The morning started off at a frosty 2C, rising to 16C by early afternoon. Haze made spotting and aging raptors difficult, though it added to the visual splendour of the valley. We were treated to spectacular changes in cloud type and cover as winds shifted from SW to NE midday. Before long, the renewed vigour of the wind and the shade of a few particularly puffy clouds had us reaching for jackets and gloves.
Raptor Observations:
Most raptors appeared over Patrick, dipped below the right edge of the Big Smile, reappeared over Tonyâs Peak or in front of the Slab, flew behind the Big Bump, ultimately emerging at Fisher South or McDougall.
Of particular note were the 4 Merlins spotted throughout the day, with one perching ominously in a spruce near the river while the dippers and kingfishers nattered on unawares.
Resident/Non-migratory Raptors: Northern Goshawk (1a)
Non-raptor Observations:
A broad smattering of songbirds and other non-raptors were about in the meadow today. 252 American Robins moved south through the valley in flocks of various sizes. All three (expected) chickadees presented themselves, as did both kinglets. Towards the end of the day we were graced with three American Dippers chattering and dipping in the river at their usual log (Tom and family). The Swamp Sparrow continues. ebird.org/checklist/S120036409
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 Oct 2022) 59 Raptors
Alberta, Canada
| Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 04, 2022 | |||
| Species | Day’s Count | Month Total | Season Total |
| Turkey Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osprey | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Bald Eagle | 3 | 13 | 26 |
| Northern Harrier | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 2 | 4 | 33 |
| Cooper’s Hawk | 0 | 3 | 14 |
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | 4 | 11 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Swainson’s Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1 | 2 | 11 |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 51 | 191 | 346 |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Merlin | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Gyrfalcon | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Prairie Falcon | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| Unknown Buteo | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Unknown Falcon | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown Eagle | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| Unknown Raptor | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Total: | 59 | 229 | 480 |
| Observation start time: | 06:45:00 |
| Observation end time: | 18:15:00 |
| Total observation time: | 10.53 hours |
| Official Counter | Caroline Lambert |
| Observers: | Rick Robb |
Visitors:
The 47 visitors included a group of 28 students and two teachers from Western Canada High School in Calgary.
Weather:
The abnormally warm weather continued yet again today. On arrival it was 2C with frost on the ground, but once the sun came over the east ridge, it quickly warmed up to 21C. It cooled off rapidly when the sun went behind the west ridge, dropping to 13C when we left. There were no clouds in the sky to start with, but there was much haze in the air making spotting the raptors quite challenging. The haze cleared up by mid afternoon, and a few clouds appeared over the east ridge, which helped with spotting a great deal. Ground winds were again light. Ridge winds from the Nakiska station were reported to be light, ranging from easterly to southwest, but there must have been stronger winds at higher levels, as the migrants were able to fly high and fast.
Raptor Observations:
Initially the eagles were popping up at random places along the east ridge, quickly gaining altitude by soaring and then moving to the south. As the day went by we were finding them coming into the ridge at great heights – eventually we spotted some riding thermals above Mt Lorette to high levels, and they were able to maintain those heights as they flew quickly to the east ridge and along the ridge. Many of them appeared to be flying on the other side of the ridge as they looked quite small and far away, and were difficult to track and age. The number of Golden Eagles, 51 (27a, 4sa, 4j, 16u), was well below expectations for this period of the migration. Other migrants were three adult Bald Eagles, one Red-tailed Hawk, two Sharp-shinned Hawks and a Northern Goshawk. Non-migrants were a Merlin hunting along the river in the evening, and a second year Bald Eagle.
Non-raptor Observations:
The local Ruffed Grouse is still drumming away. Tom the American Dipper came by in the morning and hopefully avoided the Merlin that was hunting along the river in the evening. Other birds were one Belted Kingfisher, one Black-billed Magpie, three Common Ravens, one Red-breasted Nuthatch, one European Starling, 25 American Robins flying south in small groups, 11 Red Crossbills looking delighted with our bumper crop of spruce cones, and two American Tree Sparrows.
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]
