The first regular day of the 2003 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch season started out slowly as fog blanketed the Niagara Escarpment above Lake Ontario. Although only a few birds arrived after it lifted, the variety made up for the low numbers. Eight RED-TAILED HAWKS and four SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS were joined by an adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK which flew low across the circle at a nice pace for viewing, and an adult probably female PEREGRINE FALCON which motored through very quickly but then circled back to give the watchers a good look. Let's hope these sightings are a good omen for the season.
Except in seriously bad weather the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch has volunteer counters at Beamer Conservation Area on Quarry Rd., off Ridge Rd. West between Wolverton Road and Mountain Avenue, every day from March 1 through May 15. Take the Queen Elizabeth Way from Hamilton or Niagara Falls to Exits 74 or 71/72 in Grimsby, then drive to the top of the escarpment. Mike Mike Street Ancaster, Ontario, Canada [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike Street <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
