Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 27, 2006
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 52 135 135
Osprey 7 211 211
Bald Eagle 5 192 192
Northern Harrier 52 748 748
Sharp-shinned Hawk 78 4291 4291
Cooper's Hawk 4 82 82
Northern Goshawk 1 2 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 0 40551 40551
Red-tailed Hawk 0 70 70
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 146 4047 4047
Merlin 27 173 173
Peregrine Falcon 32 70 70
Unknown 24 24
Total: 404 50598 50598
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Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Dave Brown
Observers: Alf Rider, Colin Horstead, Keith Sealy, Mac McAlpine,
Tom Thomas
Visitors:
Lots of visitors were there to enjoy the great Peregrine flight. :)
Weather:
The day started with lots of sunshine and a bit of cloud and very strong SW
winds...perfect for a Peregrine flight. The rain held off till the end of
the day.
Raptor Observations:
Well...we only had 404 birds today...but 32 of them were Peregrines!! This
is one of the highest 1-day counts for Peregrines at Hawk Cliff (the
current record is 45). Merlins also put in a good showing with 27. We
actually had one Peregrine that dove over from above the cliff edge and
passed no more than a few feet right through an opening beside the
counters. 2 or 3 of the Merlins did the same thing...one of which was so
low it passed BETWEEN two of the spotting scopes setup in front of the
counters!!
Non-raptor Observations:
Still many warblers along with other passerines seen today in the hawkwatch
area.
Predictions:
Rain predicted for all day Thursday which would halt any sort of a flight.
Friday would be interesting if the wind was to end up with winds coming
more from the N.
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Report submitted by Dave Brown ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at:
http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm
Site Description:
Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch:
Oldest Hawkwatch in Ontario - since 1931 - located just east of Port
Stanley on the cliff overlooking Lake Erie
Directions to site:
>From east 401, take the Highbury south cut off at London, follow Highbury
(Hwy 30) south to St. Thomas. Highbury changes into South Edgeware at a
large curve in the road to the west. Follow South Edgeware west to the
first set of traffic lights - Burwell Road, turn left (south) and stay on
this road. It becomes Fairview Ave (Regional Road 22), which runs directly
into Hawk Cliff Road. You will see a sign for Hawkes Cliff Farm, where they
sell fresh vegetables and a gravel road just beyond sign. Just continue
down gravel road to viewing area.
>From west 401, take the Highway # 4 (Colonel Talbot Rd.) exit south,
through Talbotville, road now is Sunset Rd. continue towards St. Thomas;
you will come to a veer in the road, straight up to St. Thomas, veer to
the right for Port Stanley, follow Highway 4, now Sunset to Port Stanley.
As you approach Port Stanley you will come to a large curve in the road
with a sign saying East St, to the left. Take East St., and follow it to
the first road left, (opposite Port Stanley Water Tower) Dexter Line.
Follow Dexter Line approximately 2 km. and turn right down gravel road at
Hawkes Cliff Farm, and follow gravel road to viewing area
