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.
10/20/2021
Observers: Bill Wilson, Brian McBride and Cliff Hansen
07:40 AM
06:40 PM
-6 C to +10.5 C
It was a great day weatherwise. The sky was clear to 11 am, then cloud increased quickly to 100% altostratus and cumulus for the rest of the day; but ground winds were light all day, so the cloud wasn't a problem. Ridge winds were light to 11 am, then SW to SSW 20 - 40 km/h. The first migrant raptor was a Rough-legged Hawk at 8:20 am, but then the second (a Golden Eagle) wasn't until 2:05 pm. Movement was fairly steady after that.
28 (18 adults, 1 subadult, 3 juveniles and 6 unaged)
1 Bald Eagle and 7 Rough-legged Hawks
12 migrants between 4 pm and 5 pm.
36
1 Northern Goshawk hurtling low across Hay Meadow and then calling in the trees to the south, and 2 Golden Eagles
2 male Hairy Woodpeckers, 5 Canada Jays, 23 Common Ravens ( 30 Grey-crowned Rosy-finches, 1 White-winged Crossbill, 1 Mountain Chickadee, 1 American Dipper, 1 Varied Thrush singing quietly for a few minutes, 20 Bohemian Waxwings, and one bright male Redwinged Blackbird.
Nothing of note.
7
