Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 28, 2007
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 161 166
Osprey 11 168 170
Bald Eagle 9 224 226
Northern Harrier 192 1092 1095
Sharp-shinned Hawk 448 9257 9262
Cooper's Hawk 26 177 178
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 1
Broad-winged Hawk 221 40975 40976
Red-tailed Hawk 7 44 48
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 588 3564 3611
Merlin 38 187 187
Peregrine Falcon 2 16 16
Unknown 8 9
Total: 1542 55874 55945
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Observation start time: 06:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 11 hours
Official Counter: Colin Horstead
Observers: Alf Rider, Ches Caister, Dave Brown, Don Taylor,
Eleanor Kee-Wellman, Eric Single, Keith Sealy, Matt Oswald,
Ronnie Goodhand, Shay Redmond, Su Ross-Redmond,
Wayne Parnall
Visitors:
Quite a few visitors again today.
Weather:
The day started with thunderstorms and rain in the Hawk Cliff area but this
weather moved fairly rapidly to the east. Once skies cleared a bit the day
set up nicely with strong NW winds and lots of cumulus clouds.
Raptor Observations:
A great day for hawkwatching with a pretty constant flight all day leading
to a total of 1542 raptors tallied.
The highlight for today was the new 1-DAY RECORD for Merlins with 38(prev
was 37 in 2006). We often see a good number of Merlins later in the day and
today we had 20 in the last hour and a half!!
We also had a good flight of Harriers today with 192. This was not a new
record...but given we had 122 counted yesterday, had more been held up by
the rain, we may well have set a new 1-day record today.
A couple of Peregrines today and 11 Osprey, many of which were right on
the deck. It would appear we're seeing the end of the Broadwinds for this
season with 221 for the day. On the other hand we're starting to see more
Cooper's Hawks with 26.
Non-raptor Observations:
Quite a few warblers around today...several of these were Myrtles along
with a nice Cape May and Blackpoll. At least a couple of American Pipits
were heard passing overhead today as well as a Belted Kingfisher.
Predictions:
IF the winds are N or NE to start the day then I think we'll see a decent
flight. Unfortunately, the winds are predicted to swing around to the SE
for later in the afternoon.
Keep an eye on the wind direction for Monday...currently predicted for
strong SW...which is great for Peregrines!
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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
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
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