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.
10/24/2021
Observers: Graeme Dunlop, Ethan Denton
08:15 AM
06:15 PM
-7C to 6C
A cool, cloudless morning. Clouds gradually increased through the afternoon becoming 100% stratus by evening. Ground and ridge winds light S to SW. After a quiet morning Golden Eagles suddenly began appearing at noon. Between 13:00 and 15:00 129 Golden Eagles were seen. Movement slowed after 16:00. Most birds used the eastern flightpath.
183
Bald Eagle 3, Rough-legged Gawk 4, Red-tailed Hawk 2, Northern Goshawk 3, Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Unidentified accipiter 1.
14:00 to 15:00 with 72 raptors
197
Golden Eagle
1 Downy Woodpecker, 20 Bohemian Waxwing , 22 Common Redpolls, 15 Pine Siskins, 1 American Dipper
7
