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

Vicki Ridge Observations

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

03/24/2022

Observers: Caroline Lambert, Rick Robb

Start Time:

08:00 AM

End Time:

08:05 PM

Temperature:

Temperature stayed in a narrow range from -3 to +2.

Description of the Day:

The day started with 100% low stratus cloud cover and heavy snow falling. By the time the snow stopped, around 10:00, about 10cm had accumulated. The clouds became cumulus with about 50% coverage most of the rest of the day. The ridges gradually went from 100% obscured to 0% by the end of the day. Winds were light on the ground and on the ridges, and those cumulus clouds were not moving fast. The upper winds appeared to be coming from the NW. These conditions did not lend themselves to an easy day for the eagles - most were flying low, and flapping and soaring frequently. A couple of them gave up early and stopped for the night long before sunset - one on the side of Patrick, and another at the top of the second highest "Bump".

Migrant Golden Eagle Count:

35 (24 adults, 5 subadults, 6 unaged)

Migrant Other Raptor Count By Species:

4 Bald Eagles (1 adult, 2 subadult, 1 juvenile), 1 unidentified eagle

Period with Most Migrants:

There were 10 in the last hour, between 1900 and 2000.

Total Migratory Raptors:

40

Non-Migrant Raptors:

One Golden Eagle seen hunting over Old Baldy. One adult Northern Goshawk scared up some Killdeer along the river, and a juvenile goshawk was hunting over Patrick.

Other Birds of Note:

40 Canada Geese (in a couple of flock flying north), 1 Common Merganser, 3 Killdeer, 1 Canada Jay, 5 Common Ravens, 2 Black-capped Chickadees, 1 Boreal Chickadee, 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 1 European Starling, 1 American Robin, 1 Northern Shrike (adult)

Number of Visitors:

21