Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 17, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 22 22 Osprey 57 169 169 Bald Eagle 9 68 68 Northern Harrier 53 210 210 Sharp-shinned Hawk 557 1997 1997 Cooper's Hawk 13 62 62 Northern Goshawk 0 3 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 784 1753 1753 Red-tailed Hawk 22 51 51 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 263 1621 1621 Merlin 9 36 36 Peregrine Falcon 1 11 11 Unknown 12 37 37 Total: 1780 6040 6040 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 17:30:00 Total observation time: 11 hours Official Counter: Dave Brown, Su Ross-Redmond Observers: Ches, Keith Sealy, Su Ross-Redmond, Tom Bolohan Visitors: Lots of visitors today for the 2nd big weekend at Hawk Cliff. The live bird demos today were excellent with Kestrels, Sharpies, a Merlin, a Northern Harrier and a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. A large group of students from Redeemer University College were at the hawkwatch today for a field trip. We also had a couple visiting from Birmingham, England (Rob & Lara Skeates) and they wree very excited to see so many great raptors...and other small birds too! :) Thanks to the many individuals who helped spot and count birds today...including Bill Lindley, Dean, Keith, Colin, Tom, Jason, Steve , Ches...and those who I can't remember all their names. Weather: The day started with very promising winds from the NE but light. Unfortunately, the winds swung quickly around to the E and then SE and eventually SW. Lots of early cloud then eventually sunny breaks. Temp still way too warm at a high of 27. Raptor Observations: The height of the flight today was very high...and not just for Broadwings! The big news for our hawkwatch today was a new RECORD 1-DAY COUNT FOR OSPREYS with 57. The previous record was 50. Overall not a bad day with 1780 birds of 10 different species including 9 Merlins and 1 Peregrine. Non-raptor Observations: Lots of warblers and vireos in and around the hawkwatch again today...birds included a Philadelphia Vireo and an immature Red-bellied Woodpecker. Predictions: Looks like SW or possibly W winds tomorrow....so not sure what kind of flight we'll see. However, this is the peak time for Broadwings and it's the 2nd nice day after a heavy rain...might just be worth checking it out. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Brown ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch information may be found at: http://www.ezlink.on.ca/~thebrowns/HawkCliff/index.htm Site Description: Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch: Oldest Hawkwatch in Ontario - since 1931 - located just east of Port Stanley on the cliff overlooking Lake Erie Directions to site: >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
