Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 27, 2015 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 44 44 Osprey 0 111 115 Bald Eagle 0 56 56 Northern Harrier 1 398 403 Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 4035 4043 Cooper's Hawk 1 49 49 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 1 Broad-winged Hawk 0 12907 12907 Red-tailed Hawk 0 36 36 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 1 1495 1504 Merlin 0 51 51 Peregrine Falcon 0 30 30 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 21 19213 19239 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter: Mary Carnahan Observers: Jim Dunn, Keith Sealy Visitors: This morning, we were visited by the Hicks family from Dubai, whose children, McKenie and Markie were very interested in knowing how we count the hawks. As well, thanks to Ken Button, Mike from Cambridge, Cary Graham, and Cynthia and Rob from Windsor for their assistance with the raptor and non-raptor counts for today. Weather: Until the last hour of the morning, observers were really cold sitting on the observation knoll with that southeasterly flow clocking gusts of up to 25 km/hr. although it felt about 10 degrees warmer in sheltered areas. We started out with 60% cloud cover, which had risen to 100 % by the second hour, then began to clear, giving us gradually increasing amounts of sunshine and blue sky. Raptor Observations: We had a dismal count this morning, with only 4 species of migratory raptors counted for a total of 21 birds, including Northern Harrier (1), Sharp-shinned Hawk (18), Cooper`s Hawk (1) and American Kestrel (1). A few TVs cruised high, but as they were going east, then west, then east and vice-versa, none were counted; similarly, 1 immature Bald Eagle flew low along the cliff towards Port Stanley, too low to be counted as migrating (at least, not today). Non-raptor Observations: We enjoyed a couple of nice waves of warblers and other small songbirds this morning, but not a great variety of species. Nevertheless, there were multiples of each species which included Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Blackpoll and Nashville warblers plus American Redstart. As well, one Red-eyed Vireo was reported along with numerous Ruby-crowned Kinglets, found just inside the entrance to the woods. That first bend in the path quite consistently yields the most birds. In this same area were many White-throated Sparrows and a few White Crowned Sparrows (New Species for this season) and the usual Gray Catbirds. As well, Swainson`s and Wood Thrushes were present low in the bushes right at the bend along with numerous Northern Cardinals. 6 Eastern Bluebirds were spotted on wires today, 4 on the way to the cliff early this morning along Fairview Rd, and 2 more on Dexter Ln just before the noon hour. Around 9:30 this morning, we had a few unusual visitors in the branches right above us on the observation knoll heard first and eventually spotted were 3 Tufted Titmouse, always a welcome sight, because they so rarely make themselves conspicuous. Several small flocks of American Goldfinch were on the move this morning along with about 8500 blue Jays, which were moving in flocks of about 100, one right after the other from daylight until about 10:30 this morning. Thanks to Mike from Cambridge for his observations from 7 to 8 AM. Predictions: The forecast for the next few days is mixed, with mainly southerly winds tomorrow at 20 km / hr, gusting to 25. Todays count was indicative of the effects of strong southerly winds on raptor migration at Hawk Cliff so Mondays will probably be about the same. However, by Tuesday, the wind is expected to shift to SSW at about 30 km / hr with a definite possibility of rain and thunder storms, but it could also bring Peregrine Falcons, which prefer strong south-westerly winds, using the updraft along the cliff to enable them to sail through towards the west. Historical data show that Peregrines dont seem to mind stormy weather, although too much rain would interfere. Birds cant fly when their feathers are wet. Not even Peregrines! By Wednesday, we should be enjoying a more northerly flow unfortunately, it will be northerly with an easterly twist (birds fly high) AND very high wind speed (35 km / hr) is expected. Despite the predicted high of 18 degrees Celsius, that will be one cold morning on the mound at Hawk Cliff so if you are planning to be there, bring extra layers. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Brown (thebro...@ezlink.on.ca) Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at: http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
