Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2014 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 16 944 28033 Osprey 0 1 119 Bald Eagle 0 25 131 Northern Harrier 0 43 703 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 165 9131 Cooper's Hawk 1 47 321 Northern Goshawk 0 8 20 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 276 671 Broad-winged Hawk 0 3 70722 Red-tailed Hawk 5 2058 4141 Rough-legged Hawk 0 16 21 Golden Eagle 2 84 149 American Kestrel 0 6 2459 Merlin 0 5 84 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 163 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 0 1 Total: 24 3681 116869 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours Official Counter: Mary Carnahan Observers: Ernie Gribble, Jim Dunn, Keith Sealy, Ronnie Goodhand Visitors: Thanks to Mary, Keith, Ernie, Ronnie and Jim for hanging out in the cold to do a count for today. Weather: We all knew in theory that colder weather was the program for today, but it was still a shock -- cold westerly winds with some northerly influence partway through the watch, overcast conditions, low ceiling -- a bleak situation at best. After several days of south wind behind us, we had hoped for a higher count than today's total of 24. Raptor Observations: Quantitatively speaking, the second hour was best with slightly more than half of the day's count, composed of TVs (16 for the day) and a few Red-tails (day's total of 5). Qualitatively, however, the third hour was best with Goldens (2) and a Coop (1) right over our heads. Both Goldens and the lone Cooper's Hawk emerged from the treeline directly across from our position at Sharpie Alley with the Coop starting things off just into the third hour of the watch. It circled a few times, then crossed the field right above us at low altitude. Shortly after that, came the first Golden, a juvenile that provided great views, then circled upwards and exited towards the northwest. Very shortly after that the second Golden appeared, also emerging low from the treeline opposite, circled a couple of times and then crossed the field low, directly overhead. Non-raptor Observations: While not engaged in counting raptors and TVs, observers were entertained by a flock of 100+ American Pipits foraging nearby in the field and just flying about. As well, flocks of Tundra Swans were heard and seen heading for Long Point (total ot over 400) and a total of 15 Common Loons flew along the treeline towards the lake, most singly but once we saw a loose flock of 6 birds. Other species found were White-throated, Field and American Tree Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-Capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Eurpoean Starling, Blue Jay, American Crow, Mourning Dove, Wild Turkey, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing and Hairy Woodpecker. Many thanks to Ernie Gribble for today's non-raptor sightings. Predictions: A tough day for tomorrow...with predicted W winds and possibly snow. This may get the birds on the move again...but a northerly wind direction would help. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Brown ([email protected]) Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at: http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
