Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 13, 2013 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 42 2590 5641 Osprey 3 12 13 Bald Eagle 0 12 44 Northern Harrier 2 32 39 Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 358 402 Cooper's Hawk 0 11 45 Northern Goshawk 1 2 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 183 407 Broad-winged Hawk 1 1 1 Red-tailed Hawk 3 569 1327 Rough-legged Hawk 1 16 29 Golden Eagle 0 5 8 American Kestrel 2 27 36 Merlin 0 4 5 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 2 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 3 Unknown Buteo 0 23 36 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 2 Total: 74 3847 8044 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Phil Waggett Observers: Ed Couture, Gord Kozak Visitors: Only Gord Kozak and Ed Couture were brave enough to test the uncomfortable weather conditions. Thanks for your help. Weather: Overcast with periodic light drizzle throughout the day, letting up for a few hours in the early afternoon. Strong wind from the west-south-west, resulting in a considerable wind chill. Raptor Observations: Despite the unfavourable conditions, 10 species were noted, including the season's first broadwing at 12:50 pm. The rough leg was a dark form. The local coops and turkey vultures showed some activity during the let-ups between showers. Non-raptor Observations: Common loon, great egret (flew by the tower), 3 sandhill cranes flying south-east. At the feeders, two fox sparrows and numerous song sparrows were noted. Predictions: Judging by the reports from the New York hawk watches and improving weather conditions, the many birds in the pipe-line should make for an improved flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Waggett () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON 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. © 2013 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch
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