Holiday Beach Migration Observatory
Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2004
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Turkey Vulture 43 811 14729
Osprey 0 0 83
Bald Eagle 2 14 59
Northern Harrier 2 21 269
Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 107 5478
Cooper's Hawk 11 72 355
Northern Goshawk 3 22 27
Red-shouldered Hawk 33 234 388
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 27843
Red-tailed Hawk 342 1340 2532
Rough-legged Hawk 2 27 56
Golden Eagle 3 35 37
American Kestrel 0 1 1369
Merlin 1 4 62
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 15
Unknown 6 105 238
Total: 472 2793 53540
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Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Bob Pettit
Observers: Chuck Sharbaugh, Claude Radley, Jim McCoy, Mike Fitzpatrick,
Teri Miracle
Visitors:
Several from Windsor, ON, Ohio, and Michigan. They were treated to grand
views of late fall migrants. Thanks for your help and binocs usage.
Weather:
Temp, 3.8-6.5 C; wind, NNE 13-24 mph; low humidity; visibility unlimited;
cloud cover 0-20% mostly at horizon, Sunny otherwise.
Summary: COLD NNE wind (wind chill to -2.6C)
Observations:
* The flight was fast in the early AM and slowed in early afternoon and
picked up again in late PM. All raptors were traveling westward but had
various ways of getting to the west.
* Flight paths included: 1. from the south off the lake going fully north
to the main road (20) then going west, 2. along the lake and then north to
the main road (20) and then west, 3. from the east to the wooded area in
from of the tower and then north to the main road (20), 4. from the east
along the shore going due west., 5. from the east woods over the tower and
going due west, 6. from east over the woods (north of the tower) going due
west, 7. from the east over 'Carp Crossing' or the camping area and going
due west.
* The pathways varied from moment to moment and species to species. One or
two paths may be used during an hour or they may ALL be use during an
hour. At times one felt like a kid on a 'merry-go-round' looking up in all
directions to observe and identify the single, double, or small loose
kettle of birds.
* One Turkey Vulture had anterior half of left wing entirely white top and
bottom. This appeared to be its natural feather color.
* It was a Great Day. Be there on Saturday for more birding in the
'round'. Dress for cold weather!
American Crow 4,500+
Tundra Swan 99 in several groups (40 in largest) all going south.
Predictions:
Should be same. DRESS FOR THE COLD. Be warmed by the treasures that await.
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Report submitted by Bob Pettit ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
Holiday Beach Migration Observatory information may be found at:
http://hbmo.org/
