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.
04/16/2022
Observers: Annie Finch, Ruth Morrow
07:00 AM
05:00 PM
13°C to 0°C
The day started clear and cold with light winds from the south. Shortly before noon, the wind picked up and shifted. The SE ridge winds and NE valley bottom winds of the rest of the day resulted in unsettled and unusual flight paths. Cumulus and cirrus clouds developed steadily with the north wind. We watched a squall advance down the valley, and driving snow arrived by mid-afternoon. The count was abandoned at 5 pm due to a disheartening radar forecast. Despite the suboptimal conditions, 20 migrant raptors were observed, including 10 Golden Eagles. There was a last-minute rush before the snow arrived with 7 Golden Eagles and one Prairie Falcon from 2-3 pm.
A resident Golden Eagle provided the highlight of the day with periodic low passes over the site which provided excellent views.
10 (3A, 1S, 6U)
Bald Eagle: 4 (2A, 1S3/A1, 1J); Unknown Eagle: 3; Red-tailed Hawk: 1A; Prairie Falcon: 1; Unknown Raptor: 1 (large)
2-3 pm with 8 migrants: 7 Golden Eagles and one Prairie Falcon
20
Golden Eagle: 1A; Bald Eagle: 1A; Norther Goshawk: 1A
https://ebird.org/checklist/S107243960
30
