Hi All, The 2005 Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch got underway on Sept 1st...and so far the flights have been pretty decent. :)
Instead of sending the daily reports to ONTBIRDS, I've decided to submit only when we have notable flights in terms of sheer numbers or particular species of interest. I'll also post if I feel the conditions for the next day will be particularily good to give those who are interested in getting down to the Cliff. Here's a synopsis of the first few days at Hawk Cliff.... Lots of variety...a total of 11 different species noted so far including many Ospreys, Bald Eagles and a smattering of Broadwings. Some highlights included two Merlins...and a couple of early Goshawks (1 Ad and 1 Juv). Both of these birds were right on the deck and provided great views. The most interesting encounter involved a juvenile Broadwing that came out of nowhere and dropped down to harass a juvenile Harrier right in front of us!! They went after each other for at least 2 or 3 minutes not 50 feet off the ground. This would've made a very unique and rare photo opportunity...but unfortunately, the only visitor with a camera arrived about 5 minutes too late to capture the moment. Some great warblers as well with a total of 13 (possibly 14) species including Cape May, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Wilson's, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, American Redstart, Bay-breasted, Nashville and a what looked like a Worm-eating (but of course we only got a fleeting glimpse of the bird being the skulker that it is). A couple of birders spotted a pair of Mockingbirds on Satrday the 3rd and at least one of them was seen again yesterday. Also Brown Thrasher and what looked like a Swainson's Thrush, several species of woodpecker including a Red-bellied. Literally hundreds of Hummingbirds zipping by and more Monarchs than I've seen in a while. Good Birding!! Dave J Brown Director - Hawk Cliff Foundation Please check the following link to the Hawk Cliff Foundation website for more detailed counts and our photo gallery. http://www.ezlink.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm Directions to Hawk Cliff: >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
