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.
11/05/2021
Observers: Caroline Lambert, Rick Robb
08:25 AM
06:15 PM
2C to 8C, 5C at end of day
Conditions were entirely favourable for migration with strong westerly winds and clear ridges, but this had no impact on the birds, as very few migrants were seen. The temperature was warmer than normal, and a Chinook arch was present over the east ridge for much of the day, which would have aided in spotting eagles had there been any to spot. A late Mountain Bluebird hunted energetically over the meadow all day, but otherwise the day was completely unremarkable.
4 (1 adult, 1 subadult, 2 unknown)
1 Bald Eagle, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
Two Golden Eagles showed up between 17:00 and 18:00.
6
The resident Golden Eagle is still hanging out around Nakiska, and a Northern Goshawk hunted over our heads.
14 Canada Geese followed the eagle flight path, 8 Northern Pintail flew south high over our heads, 1 Harlequin Duck juvenile seemed lost on the river - it should have migrated west to the ocean by now but we hope that because the river doesn't freeze completely it will survive if it stays, 1 Ruffed Grouse, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Northern Shrike which took a swipe at the bluebird but didn't seem to phase the bluebird much, 2 Canada Jays, 1 Black-billed Magpie, 9 Common Ravens, 4 Black-capped Chickadees, 2 Mountain Chickadees, 1 Mountain Bluebird, 10 Bohemian Waxwings, 6 Common Redpolls, 10 White-winged Crossbills
None
0
