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.
03/23/2022
Observers: Bill Wilson and Bill and Ruth McKeenan, with help from Rick and Adele, George, Bruno, and Dean and Jennifer.
06:40 AM
08:15 PM
Low +6 C, high +12 C
Sunny, with 20 to 40% lenticular and altostratus in the morning, and 5 to 10% cumulus in the afternoon. Ground winds initially light, but gusting to 30 and even 50 or 60 km/h from late morning to the end. Ridge winds WSW 50 to 80 km/h. 50 Golden Eagles were seen by 4 pm, and a late rush put the total for the day at 105 Golden Eagles and 4 Bald Eagles.
105 (63 adults, 8 subadults, 5 juveniles, and 29 unaged).
4 Bald Eagles (2 adults, 1 subadult 4, and 1 juvenile).
40 between 5 pm and 7 pm.
109
One adult Golden Eagle that looked exactly like a migrant heading northwest from Patrick, and then turned and glided slowly south down the centre of the valley. Presumed local bird.
Two American Dippers, one Canada Jay and assorted ravens.
Nothing of note.
46
