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.
04/02/2022
Observers: Caroline Lambert, Lynn Macintosh
07:20 AM
08:10 PM
The temperature started at -1, reached a high of +6, and ended at +2.
The day was marked by unsettled weather. High winds appeared moderate from the northwest all day, while the ridge winds were strong enough that the few eagles that passed by were high and did not need to soar. Two snow squalls passed through, blocking the ridges completely. The first was between 13:00 and 14:00, the second between 18:00 and 19:00. Otherwise the ridges were clear. The weather radar map showed intermittent areas of precipitation along the eagle flight path, which was likely the reason why few eagles were seen.
8 (5 adult, 2 subadult, 1 unaged)
1 Bald Eagle
Most migrants appeared between the two squalls, from 14:00 to 18:00.
9
One resident Golden Eagle was seen hunting over Hummingbird Plume
Canada Goose 6
Common Merganser 2
Ruffed Grouse 1 Drumming
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Canada Jay 2
American Crow 1
Common Raven 6
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Boreal Chickadee 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Mountain Bluebird 2
Varied Thrush 3
American Robin 21
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Song Sparrow 1
9
