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.
03/15/2022
Observers: Dan Parliament, Ian Dowson, George Halmazna
07:30 AM
03:30 PM
Minus 3 to Plus 1 and Minus 2 at 1530 hrs
The day commenced overcast with all ridges clear. At 1100 hrs the clouds disappeared, and the sun shone promising a beautiful day. By noon the weather deteriorated and at 1330 hrs heavy snow commenced and the ridges were obscured as the ceiling descended half way down the mountain. The count was terminated at 1530 hrs with continued snow and the forecast for the remainder of the day indicating continued snow and clouds. The ground winds were generally SW at 5-15 km per hr, and ridge winds moderate from the SW. The count for the day was five Golden Eagles and one Bald Eagle. The Golden Eagles were flying very high over Patrick, resulting in difficulty locating the birds for aging against the monochromatic gray skies.
5
Bald Eagle x 1
0900-1000 (2) and 1100-1200 (2)
6
n/a
Red-breasted Nuthatch x 1
Mountain Chickadee x 1
Boreal Chickadee x 2
Black-capped Chickadee x 2
Canada Goose x 3
Common Raven x 9
Bohemian Waxwing x 30
Northern Shrike x 1
Canada Jay x 1
Resident Adult Golden Eagle observed display flight onto migrating Golden Eagle over Mt Lorette
Red Squirrel x 3
9
