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.
10/07/2021
Observers: Caroline Lambert, Rick Robb
08:00 AM
07:35 PM
-5°C to 8°C
There was a constant stream of migrants throughout the day, starting shortly after 8am and lasting until after sunset. A short squall in late afternoon did nothing to stop the flow. All migrants were along the east ridge. Although the ridge winds were moderate, it appeared that the eagles were gaining much altitude over Mt Lorette, and then flying seemingly over our heads to reach the east ridge. Fortunately there was sufficient cloud cover that locating them was not too hard, although getting them in the scope for ID was difficult. Yesterday's inclement weather seemed to have held up some of the migrants, and these passed through early in the morning (more than 70 by 11am!), creating an ID challenge as they were silhouetted against the rising sun.
285
Bald Eagle - 3, Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2, Cooper's Hawk - 1, Broad-winged Hawk - 1, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Rough-legged Hawk - 1, Undifferentiated eagle - 2
1600-1800
296
One Golden Eagle
2 Ruffed Grouse, 1 Common Merganser, 1 Black-billed Magpie, 7 Common Ravens, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 Mountain Chickadee, 1 American Dipper, 27 American Robins, 10 White-winged Crossbills, 1 Dark-eyed Junco
1
