Vicki Ridge Observations

Vicki Ridge is an observation site located in the Crowsnest Pass.

See the count reports for historical data. The following observations started in Fall 2021.

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10/20/2021

Observers: Bill Wilson, Brian McBride and Cliff Hansen

Start Time:

07:40 AM

End Time:

06:40 PM

Temperature:

-6 C to +10.5 C

Description of the Day:

It was a great day weatherwise. The sky was clear to 11 am, then cloud increased quickly to 100% altostratus and cumulus for the rest of the day; but ground winds were light all day, so the cloud wasn't a problem. Ridge winds were light to 11 am, then SW to SSW 20 - 40 km/h. The first migrant raptor was a Rough-legged Hawk at 8:20 am, but then the second (a Golden Eagle) wasn't until 2:05 pm. Movement was fairly steady after that.

Migrant Golden Eagle Count:

28 (18 adults, 1 subadult, 3 juveniles and 6 unaged)

Migrant Other Raptor Count By Species:

1 Bald Eagle and 7 Rough-legged Hawks

Period with Most Migrants:

12 migrants between 4 pm and 5 pm.

Total Migratory Raptors:

Non-Migrant Raptors:

1 Northern Goshawk hurtling low across Hay Meadow and then calling in the trees to the south, and 2 Golden Eagles

Other Birds of Note:

2 male Hairy Woodpeckers, 5 Canada Jays, 23 Common Ravens ( 30 Grey-crowned Rosy-finches, 1 White-winged Crossbill, 1 Mountain Chickadee, 1 American Dipper, 1 Varied Thrush singing quietly for a few minutes, 20 Bohemian Waxwings, and one bright male Redwinged Blackbird.