Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 27, 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 1 1 2 Turkey Vulture 5 4449 6432 Osprey 2 44 44 Bald Eagle 1 22 56 Northern Harrier 2 74 98 Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 1778 1956 Cooper's Hawk 2 38 109 Northern Goshawk 0 0 7 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 104 508 Broad-winged Hawk 0 2435 2435 Red-tailed Hawk 7 849 2023 Rough-legged Hawk 0 9 26 Golden Eagle 0 3 8 American Kestrel 0 41 46 Merlin 0 8 15 Peregrine Falcon 3 3 10 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 3 Unknown Buteo 0 3 8 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 3 6 Total: 31 9865 13793 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Tom Thomas Observers: Barry Cherriere, Dave Sked, Peter Booker, Roland Parks Visitors: Visitors........Eric Single,Roland Parks, Peter Booker, David Sked,Barry Cherrier and Bouwe Bergsma. Weather: Blue skies for the most part, and a strong north wind was the story of the day. Some cloud moved in toward the afternoon, but it was a cold day for counting with temperatures ranging between +6 and +11 but with a severe wind chill. Raptor Observations: On account of the strong north wind, most of the migration was seen at the edge of the escarpment, as there must have been a strong uplift there. It was a day of quality over quantity however as we had three Peregrine Falcons, and another Black Vulture. One Bald Eagle immature 2nd. yr. passed over late afternoon. Non-raptor Observations: It was amusing to watch three American Crows catching frogs in the field south of the tower, and this attracted the local Turkey Vultures to horn in on the action, but I don't think they cottened on to catching live prey. Predictions: It could be another day of quality versus quantity ======================================================================== Report submitted by Tom Thomas ([email protected]) Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.hwcn.org/link/niaghawk/ Site Description: The hawk migration at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). The counting is all 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 the cold days of 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 publically 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 the day�s observations 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. © 2010 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
