Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area
Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 22, 2015
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 74 1154 1154
Osprey 0 0 0
Bald Eagle 3 34 34
Northern Harrier 0 6 6
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 12 12
Cooper's Hawk 0 20 20
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 177 177
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 18 617 617
Rough-legged Hawk 0 12 12
Golden Eagle 0 6 6
American Kestrel 0 1 1
Merlin 0 3 3
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 1 1
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 97 2043 2043
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Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 16:45:00
Total observation time: 9.75 hours
Official Counter: Chris Escott
Observers: Alain Carriere, Barry Cherriere, Chris Bailey,
Craig Corcoran, Darren Smillie, Debby Wood, Derek Lyon,
Jennifer Lyon, Phil Waggett
Visitors:
In addition to those who helped with the count there were a number of
photographers interested in feeder birds, several families with young
children came up the tower, and the usual dog walkers were abundant.
Weather:
Chilly sub-zero temperatures all day with a moderate north wind shifting to
NW in late afternoon. The first hour was heavily overcast but it cleared
quickly and the rest of the day was clear blue sky overhead with some light
cumulus cloud to the south.
Raptor Observations:
Nothing unusual. The Bald Eagles were an adult heading east at height, a
younger bird (Basic II) heading south and a juvenile (Basic I) heading
west, all before noon (EST).
Non-raptor Observations:
No passerines at the feeders other than the expected local species. A lone
Tundra Swan flew over heading north. Several skeins of Canada Geese flew to
the west, one of these including two blue morph Snow Geese,
Predictions:
Today's forecast was pretty accurate. Tomorrow's looks similar: sub-zero
temperatures, moderate north wind diminishing as the day progresses, and
lots of sunshine. That suggests a light flight tomorrow, much like today.
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Report submitted by Chris Escott ()
Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area information may be found at:
http://www.niagarapeninsulahawkwatch.org/
Site Description:
Hawk migration monitoring at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in
Grimsby, Ontario is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). All
counting is done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a
counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter
for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and
identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a
wooden floor. For wind protection on cold days, particularly in March, a
black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower's platform. This
platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than
five or six observers would be on it.
The site lies within a publicly accessible property owned by the Niagara
Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The
tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the
outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road)
and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are
present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to
display seven day's worth of observation data for the public. The box
enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public
as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records.
Directions to site:
To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 71/72, follow Christie
St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road
West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to
the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If
parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your
car.
Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized
after the end of the season. © 2015 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch
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