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.
10/14/2021
Observers: Graeme Dunlop, Ruth Morrow
07:50 AM
06:45 PM
-8 degC to 6 degC
Mostly sunny with a few scattered cumulus.
Steady movement of eagles from sunrise to near sunset.
Flight pattern seemed to correlate closely with wind speed. When winds were lighter most birds appeared over Fisher Range from a north east direction before gliding southward at or near ridge level. When winds were stronger birds flew much higher and usually came from the north west, gliding high overhead or towards the Fisher Range.
208
Osprey 1, Bald Eagle 3, Sharp-shinned Hawk 2, Coopers Hawk 2, Goshawk 2, Rough-legged Hawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Undifferentiated accipiter 1
48 migrants between 17:00 and 18:00
220
0
Lapland Longspur 1
1
