Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 16, 2013
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 8 62 69
Bald Eagle 16 52 52
Northern Harrier 52 133 138
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1442 3055 3060
Cooper's Hawk 13 24 24
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 1
Broad-winged Hawk 44920 55474 55474
Red-tailed Hawk 7 24 24
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 240 750 763
Merlin 12 38 38
Peregrine Falcon 2 7 7
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Swainson's Hawk 0 1 1
Total: 46713 59621 59651
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Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 18:00:00
Total observation time: 11 hours
Official Counter: Dave Brown, Jennifer Lyon
Observers: Ches Caister, Chris Burris, Colin Horstead, Dave Brown,
Dave Verkley, Derek Lyon, Eric Single, Ernie Gribble,
Ian Cannell, Jim Dunn, Jim Landau, Karen Landau, Kathy,
Mac McAlpine, Marguerite Irwin, Mark Cunningham,
Mary Carnahan, Ronnie Goodhand, Rose Braxton, Steve Birch,
Tom Bolohan
Visitors:
A ton of visitors today...with a group down from the Owen Sound area...a
couple from California and others whose names I didn't managed to get. My
thanks to everyone who helped with today's count...it was a definite
challenge!!
Weather:
Well...not quite what was predicted today...with socked in skies to start
with low cloud...but at least moderate winds from the NNW. They had said it
was supposed to break out to a mix of sun and cloud but this didn't happen
till almost 4:00 pm!! Still, the lower clouds did allow us to see the birds
more easily, especially the many kettles of Broadwings. :) Temp was much
cooler and actually dropped as we got into the afternoon.
Raptor Observations:
FANTASTIC day of hawkwatching today with 1000s of birds on the move...and a
total of 46713 tallied.
I arrived at 9:00 am thinking things would've got off to a slow
start...but was quickly proven wrong! The Broadwings were already up and
moving and had been for at least an hour at that point...very unusual. As I
stepped out of my car and looked up I had over 300 BWs right overhead in a
nice kettle with 3 more kettles in the sky within easy view.
The morning continued with lower full overcast and the birds started
flooding through...large numbers of BWs in kettles that sometimes numbered
over a 1000 birds. By noon we'd tallied many 1000s and wondered just how
good the final tally would be. Unfortunately, the clouds got even heavier
and it felt more humid which seem to almost halt the flight at midday.
However, the skies did eventually open up and suddenly the birds were on
the move again,
Of note was the sight of several large kettles of BWs well out over the
lake as they circled up then angled back in to the shore on their power
glides. In all, the BW count was 44920.
The Sharpies also put in an impressive showing with 1442 mostly crossing
right through Sharpie Alley at the north end of the field.
Some nice Merlins today and a couple of excellent views of an adult
looking and younger Peregrines.
Non-raptor Observations:
Despite today's exciting raptor count, regulars and visitors managed to
find time to spot and report 40 species of songbirds. Thanks to everyone
who contributed to today's list. Highlights include 1 new species for this
season, a Black-throated Green Warbler along with Black-throated Blue,
Blackpoll, Black & White, Bay-breasted, American Redstart, Blue-winged and
Wilson's Warblers. As well, Red-eyed Vireos can stil be found chowing down
in the shrubbery near the cliff. A Blue-grey Gnatcatcher was also seen as
were Cedar Waxwings, Grackle, Towhee, Song Sparrow, Chickadees and 3
species of Woodpecker (Red-bellied, Downy and Northern Flickers which
continue to be both vocal and visible, frequently flying back and forth
across the field).
2 Great Blue Herons were seen along the beach below the tobacco field
along with a flock of Canada Geese and a bunch of Gulls (mainly
Ring-billed). Other Gulls noted today from the cliff were Herring,
Bonaparte's and Great Black-backed. A third Great Blue Heron flew directly
above observers counting early Broadwings at the B&B and a Common Loon did
the same thing, with both birds very low providing great views. Spotted
from the observation knoll were several more Common Loons, a Kingfisher,
approximately 20 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, American Goldfinches and 5
Chimney Swifts.
For those interested in the Monarch movements...just 6 spotted today.
Predictions:
Though weather will be nicer on Tuesday I expect the predicated southerly
winds will push and spread the birds inland.
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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
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