Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists
Colorado, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 27, 2022
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 3 3
Osprey 1 1 1
Bald Eagle 4 32 32
Northern Harrier 2 6 6
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 6 6
Cooper's Hawk 4 6 6
Northern Goshawk 0 2 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
Red-tailed Hawk 169 370 370
Rough-legged Hawk 1 1 1
Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0
Ferruginous Hawk 6 50 50
Golden Eagle 1 27 27
American Kestrel 15 25 25
Merlin 0 4 4
Peregrine Falcon 2 6 6
Prairie Falcon 0 7 7
Mississippi Kite 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 2 6 6
Unknown Falcon 1 2 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 4
Total: 210 558 558
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Observation start time: 09:30:00
Observation end time: 17:30:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Carol Cwiklinski, Emma Riley
Observers: Carol Cwiklinski, Kyle Carlson, Natalie Vande Vuss,
Sammy Korengut , Steve Small
Visitors:
Carol Cwiklinski, Steve Small, and Natalie Vande Vuss were official
observers all day. Sammy Korengut came to observe the afternoon. Kyle
Carlson joined us again today, as well as two HawkWatchers from NY, Ajit
and Liza Antony. The extra help from skilled hands was incredibly
appreciated. We had 22 members of a local Birds & Beers group visit the
ridge in two groups this morning, some of them getting to see both Gray
Ghosts which was exciting. We had a total of 66 people visit the HawkWatch
today. Officer Justin with Jefferson County Open Space brought supplies up
to the ridge late in the day and told us more about the history of the
space which was a lot of fun to learn. He also got great looks at a GOEA
and RTHA.
Weather:
Cloud cover was heavy all day with only brief periods of sun. Wind shifted
frequently and was overall calm. There was a haze north and south of us in
the morning that seemed to creep in throughout the day, eventually settling
in over the ridge making already distant birds harder to spot and ID.
Raptor Observations:
An incredible RTHA turnout today with a total of 169 migrants counted, the
largest RTHA movement in a day at Dinosaur Ridge since 2002. RTHA moved in
kettles of 3-12 birds across the western mountains, something we do not get
to see often! We also had a great number of AMKE counted today for this
early in the season. Other highlights include two male NOHA flying close to
the ridge almost first thing in the morning followed by the first, and
likely only, RLHA of the season. We also had a good number of FEHA today
and the first OSPR of the season. Overall, an unbelievable day that kept us
busy.
Non-raptor Observations:
Say's Phoebe was seen up at the ridge briefly for the first time this
spring. We also had a group of 6 Double-crested Cormorants fly over mid-day
and a group of 7 Sandhill Cranes high late in the day. Corvid activity was
average.
Predictions:
Another warm and sunny day at the ridge before rain comes through on
Tuesday. Tomorrow winds look variable with south winds in the morning.
Should be another good day.
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Report submitted by DAVID HILL ()
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
http://www.dfobirds.org
More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=123
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawkwatch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Dinosaur
Ridge may be the best place in the country to see the rare dark morph of
the Broad-winged Hawk (a few are seen each spring). Hawkwatchers who linger
long enough may see resident Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and Prairie
Falcons, in addition to migrating Swainson's, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels and Turkey Vultures. Peregrine Falcons and
Ferruginous Hawks are uncommon; Northern Goshawk is rare but regular.
Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, and sometimes Bushtit, Western
Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, American White Pelican or
Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. HawkWatch at
Dinosaur Ridge is generally staffed by volunteers from about 9 AM to around
3 PM from March 1st to May 7th.
Directions to site:
>From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take
left into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow small signs from
the southwest end of lot to the hawkwatch site. The hike starts heading
east on an old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west
side of the ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left,
head through the gate, and walk to the clearly-visible, flat area at the
crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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