The main observation site is the Hay Meadow, Mt. Lorette Site. The site is located in Kananaskis on the bank of the Kananaskis River. It has a view of the open valley. which allows excellent (though rather distant) viewing of the Fisher Range to the east. The bulk of the Golden Eagles and other raptors use this ridge as part of their preferred migration route.
Mt. Lorette Observations
See the seasonal count reports and daily summaries for historical observation counts. The following observations started in Fall 2021.
04/05/2022
Observers: Dan Parliament, Jim Boland
07:10 AM
07:10 PM
-2 to +2 C
The ground winds were SW averaging 15-20 km/hr with gusts to 30 km/hr. The ridge winds were consistently from the Northwest and Northerly directions and were assessed initially as medium increasing to high intensity. As a result, migration dynamics were poor, resulting in no observed Golden Eagles. The first migrant raptor was at 1230. The final count was three Bald Eagles, one migrating Northern Goshawk, and two unidentified Eagles. The resident Bald Eagles (2) and resident Golden Eagles (2) flew sporadically across the valley. Brief intermittent snow squalls moved in after 1600 hrs, with ground fog, at various intervals.
n/a
Bald Eagles x 3, Northern Goshawk x 1, Unidentified Eagles x 2
1400-1500 (one Northern Goshawk and two unidentified Eagles)
6
Bald Eagles x 2, Golden Eagles x 2, Northern Goshawk x 2
Canada Goose x 6
Mallard x 2
American Robin x 20
Mountain Chickadee x 1
Dark-eyed Junco x 4 (Heard)
Common Raven 6
Northern Flicker x 1
Pileated Woodpecker x 2
Mountain Bluebird x 2 (m,f)
European Starling x 1
Red Squirrel x 2
9
