The Spring 2022 Migration Count has commenced and runs from Mar 1st to Apr 22nd with observers at the Mount Lorette site daily — including viewing equipment available to the public. If interested in visiting the site, we suggest that you visit after 3pm. We see the majority of the migrating eagles in the later afternoon. This is the 30th consecutive year of vigilant recording. Mount Lorette site, Observation map.
Related links: Count Reports
Observations
Total Migratory Raptors: 302
04/16/2022
Observers: Annie Finch, Ruth Morrow
07:00 AM
05:00 PM
13°C to 0°C
The day started clear and cold with light winds from the south. Shortly before noon, the wind picked up and shifted. The SE ridge winds and NE valley bottom winds of the rest of the day resulted in unsettled and unusual flight paths. Cumulus and cirrus clouds developed steadily with the north wind. We watched a squall advance down the valley, and driving snow arrived by mid-afternoon. The count was abandoned at 5 pm due to a disheartening radar forecast. Despite the suboptimal conditions, 20 migrant raptors were observed, including 10 Golden Eagles. There was a last-minute rush before the snow arrived with 7 Golden Eagles and one Prairie Falcon from 2-3 pm.
A resident Golden Eagle provided the highlight of the day with periodic low passes over the site which provided excellent views.
10 (3A, 1S, 6U)
Bald Eagle: 4 (2A, 1S3/A1, 1J); Unknown Eagle: 3; Red-tailed Hawk: 1A; Prairie Falcon: 1; Unknown Raptor: 1 (large)
2-3 pm with 8 migrants: 7 Golden Eagles and one Prairie Falcon
20
Golden Eagle: 1A; Bald Eagle: 1A; Norther Goshawk: 1A
https://ebird.org/checklist/S107243960
30
