RMERF counts, April 16

Monday, April 16 Mount Lorette (Dan and Cindy Parliament). NO OBSERVATION (Weather). Dan and Cindy were at the site and at Lorette Ponds from 0730 to 1100 where the temperature was -3C winds were calm or very light and cloud cover was 100% low stratus with heavy snow that obscured all ridges. No observation was possible and the count was abandoned at 1100 when the forecast gave no indication that conditions would change. Birds seen were 7 Canada Geese, 6 Mallards 2 Northern Shovelers, 1 Common Goldeneye, 1 Common Merganser, 3 Killdeer, 2 California Gulls, 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Northern Shrike, 3 Common Ravens, 1 Varied Thrush, 21 American Robins, 20 European Starlings, 1 American Pipit and 4 Dark-eyed Juncos.

Monday, April 16 Beaver Mines [Day 50] 0900-1800 (Peter Sherrington). Heavy snow was forecast for the whole day but at 0900 the lower two-thirds of the ridge became visible and by 1015 the snow stopped leaving 15 cm of fresh snow on the ground. The ridge was completely clear to 1045 when the top again was obscured by cloud, but at 1230 it cleared again and remained clear for the rest of the day. The temperature at 0900 was 0C that rose to a high of 3.5C at 1600 and was still 3C when observation ceased at 1800. Winds were light and very variable in direction throughout, and cloud cover was 100% stratus all day with some cumulus developing between 1300 and 1500. A total of 5 migrant raptors were seen between 1245 and 1621 comprising 1 Osprey, 1 juvenile Bald Eagle and 3 Rough-legged Hawks (1 light, 2 dark). All birds moved low with much flapping flight. The resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks was in evidence after 1506.

9 hours (505.2) OSPR 1 (2), BAEA 1 (339), RLHA 3 (100) TOTAL 5 (2147)

Monday, April 16 Steeples [Day 35] 1630-1800 (Vance Mattson). Rain fell most of the day but it began to slightly clear at 1530 and the mountains became visible. Vance arrived at the site at 1630 when the temperature was 8C, which dropped to 7C by 1800, winds were strong S-SE and cloud cover was 90% stratus, altostratus and cumulus that partially obscured the ridges. Alternating light hail and rain fell throughout. No migrant raptors were seen and the only resident was a Turkey Vulture that soared high and headed to the west.

1.5 hours (150.5) TOTAL 0 (793)