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.
03/12/2022
Observers: Caroline Lambert, Jim Boland, Jody Allair
07:00 AM
06:45 PM
Min: -2, Max: +2
There was not much change in the weather all day - even the temperature stayed in a narrow range. The west ridge remained partly shrouded in clouds for the entire day, while the east ridge was clear. Visibility to the south of the site was very poor. The cloud cover varied between 70% and 100%, with mostly cumulus and stratus clouds. Ground winds were strong and gusty until the very end of the day. Judging by the snow blowing off the ridges, the ridge winds were strong. The clouds to the south may have had some impact on the migration as few raptors were seen. These appeared to come from behind the Fisher Range and gained height quickly as they flew towards Mt. Lorette.
5 (3 adults, 2 sub-adults)
0
15:00-16:00
5
Two adult Bald Eagles
2 Canada Geese, 2 Canada Jays, 16 Common Ravens, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 2 American Dippers (a pair flew by with one of them singing), 11 White-winged Crossbills.
None
40
