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.
10/07/2021
Observers: Caroline Lambert, Rick Robb
08:00 AM
07:35 PM
-5°C to 8°C
There was a constant stream of migrants throughout the day, starting shortly after 8am and lasting until after sunset. A short squall in late afternoon did nothing to stop the flow. All migrants were along the east ridge. Although the ridge winds were moderate, it appeared that the eagles were gaining much altitude over Mt Lorette, and then flying seemingly over our heads to reach the east ridge. Fortunately there was sufficient cloud cover that locating them was not too hard, although getting them in the scope for ID was difficult. Yesterday's inclement weather seemed to have held up some of the migrants, and these passed through early in the morning (more than 70 by 11am!), creating an ID challenge as they were silhouetted against the rising sun.
285
Bald Eagle - 3, Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2, Cooper's Hawk - 1, Broad-winged Hawk - 1, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Rough-legged Hawk - 1, Undifferentiated eagle - 2
1600-1800
296
One Golden Eagle
2 Ruffed Grouse, 1 Common Merganser, 1 Black-billed Magpie, 7 Common Ravens, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 Mountain Chickadee, 1 American Dipper, 27 American Robins, 10 White-winged Crossbills, 1 Dark-eyed Junco
1
