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.
11/05/2021
Observers: Caroline Lambert, Rick Robb
08:25 AM
06:15 PM
2C to 8C, 5C at end of day
Conditions were entirely favourable for migration with strong westerly winds and clear ridges, but this had no impact on the birds, as very few migrants were seen. The temperature was warmer than normal, and a Chinook arch was present over the east ridge for much of the day, which would have aided in spotting eagles had there been any to spot. A late Mountain Bluebird hunted energetically over the meadow all day, but otherwise the day was completely unremarkable.
4 (1 adult, 1 subadult, 2 unknown)
1 Bald Eagle, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
Two Golden Eagles showed up between 17:00 and 18:00.
6
The resident Golden Eagle is still hanging out around Nakiska, and a Northern Goshawk hunted over our heads.
14 Canada Geese followed the eagle flight path, 8 Northern Pintail flew south high over our heads, 1 Harlequin Duck juvenile seemed lost on the river - it should have migrated west to the ocean by now but we hope that because the river doesn't freeze completely it will survive if it stays, 1 Ruffed Grouse, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Northern Shrike which took a swipe at the bluebird but didn't seem to phase the bluebird much, 2 Canada Jays, 1 Black-billed Magpie, 9 Common Ravens, 4 Black-capped Chickadees, 2 Mountain Chickadees, 1 Mountain Bluebird, 10 Bohemian Waxwings, 6 Common Redpolls, 10 White-winged Crossbills
None
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