Since the fall of 2009, there has been a reconnaissance count at or near the Steeples Ridge which is located on the east side of the Kootenay Valley (Rocky Mountain Trench) 25 km NE of Cranbrook, B.C.
Steeples Observations
See the count reports for historical data.
04/16/2022
Observers: Annie Finch, Ruth Morrow
07:00 AM
05:00 PM
13°C to 0°C
The day started clear and cold with light winds from the south. Shortly before noon, the wind picked up and shifted. The SE ridge winds and NE valley bottom winds of the rest of the day resulted in unsettled and unusual flight paths. Cumulus and cirrus clouds developed steadily with the north wind. We watched a squall advance down the valley, and driving snow arrived by mid-afternoon. The count was abandoned at 5 pm due to a disheartening radar forecast. Despite the suboptimal conditions, 20 migrant raptors were observed, including 10 Golden Eagles. There was a last-minute rush before the snow arrived with 7 Golden Eagles and one Prairie Falcon from 2-3 pm.
A resident Golden Eagle provided the highlight of the day with periodic low passes over the site which provided excellent views.
10 (3A, 1S, 6U)
Bald Eagle: 4 (2A, 1S3/A1, 1J); Unknown Eagle: 3; Red-tailed Hawk: 1A; Prairie Falcon: 1; Unknown Raptor: 1 (large)
2-3 pm with 8 migrants: 7 Golden Eagles and one Prairie Falcon
20
Golden Eagle: 1A; Bald Eagle: 1A; Norther Goshawk: 1A
https://ebird.org/checklist/S107243960
30
