Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 25, 2015
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1020 23245 23756
Osprey 0 5 122
Bald Eagle 6 79 137
Northern Harrier 24 489 933
Sharp-shinned Hawk 86 3837 8272
Cooper's Hawk 14 134 198
Northern Goshawk 1 7 7
Red-shouldered Hawk 30 251 253
Broad-winged Hawk 0 59 12999
Red-tailed Hawk 214 1342 1403
Rough-legged Hawk 0 2 2
Golden Eagle 21 38 38
American Kestrel 2 329 1934
Merlin 4 32 87
Peregrine Falcon 0 32 76
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: 1422 29881 50217
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Dave Brown
Observers: Barb Charlton, Jason McGuire, Keith Sealy, Mark Cunningham,
Mary Carnahan, Tom Thomas
Visitors:
Lots of visitors today and a great crew of observers to help spot the
birds. Thanks to everyone who helped get today's count done.
Weather:
Well...when I made he drive down today I started in the rain and wondered
if I was out of my mind even going. However, within about a hour it began
to break out to a mix of sun and cloud and the humidity dropped and it
became a perfect hawkwatching day. Winds were moderate to strong from the
NW for the entire count period and the temp was comfortable to a high of
11C.
Raptor Observations:
Despite the near perfect migration weather, the flight was not as
significant as hoped with a total of 1,422 of which the bulk were TVs
(1,020). However, it is hard to complain when you end up with 21 GOLDEN
EAGLES...all of which were visible to the unaided eye...some especially low
and close. At one point we had 4 all crossing together to our north and
then 3 of them circled together right behind us. Another group of 3 came at
us low from the direction of the lake which is somewhat unusual. We had
nice views of many other species as well with Bald Eagles (6), N. Harriers
(24), Sharpies (86), Cooper's (14), a lone N. Goshawk, Red-shoulders (30),
Redtails (214), a couple Am. Kestrels and a few Merlin (4) that sped
through.
Non-raptor Observations:
There arent many days in a year when one can see Golden Eagles, a nice
variety of Warbler species and an array of butterflies all on the same day,
but today was one of them. Many thanks to the visitors and regular crew of
counters who contributed to todays non-raptor list. The warbler species
found today were Yellow-rumped (still quite a few hanging around),
Nashville, Bay-breasted and Orange-crowned. As well, observers reported 5
Woodpecker species including Pileated, Downy, Hairy & Red-bellied
Woodpeckers plus Northern Flicker. Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned
Kinglets were spotted along with numerous Black-capped Chickadees, a
White-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper and Northern Cardinal.
Also noted today were White-throated, White-crowned & Song Sparrows as well
as Dark-eyed Junco. . One sharp-eyed observer spotted a very late Eastern
Meadowlark.
A flock of 3 Common Loons made a pass over the field early this morning
and once things got underway, there were several more species moving
westward in flocks including American Robin, American Goldfinch, American
Crow, Pine Siskin, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Bluebird, a few Common
Grackles and at the B&B there were American Pipits. A flock of Cedar
Waxwings was found enjoying some berries at the north side of the ravine.
On the insect front, visitors and regulars were pleased to see 2 Monarch
Butterflies, a few Clouded Sulphurs, a Cabbage White or two, what looked
like a Viceroy, a possible Comma and a single Red Admiral. Whats more,
several observers reported sightings of Green Darner & Meadowhawk
dragonflies.
Predictions:
Monday's forecast is for lots of sunshine but unfortunately winds light
from the SE which are the worst winds for any decent flight at the
hawkwatch.
========================================================================
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
