Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 21, 2007
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 327 14548 14790
Osprey 1 21 206
Bald Eagle 5 77 322
Northern Harrier 7 516 1748
Sharp-shinned Hawk 307 4637 14083
Cooper's Hawk 7 224 413
Northern Goshawk 1 14 14
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 255 256
Broad-winged Hawk 0 7 41018
Red-tailed Hawk 18 774 825
Rough-legged Hawk 0 2 2
Golden Eagle 3 8 8
American Kestrel 5 701 4403
Merlin 3 43 235
Peregrine Falcon 1 111 141
Unknown 1 7 16
Total: 687 21945 78480
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Observation start time: 06:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Colin Horstead, Su Ross-Redmond
Observers: Dave Brown, Keith Sealy, Mark Cunningham, Shay Redmond,
Tom Bolohan
Visitors:
*** FOUND *** A pair of prescription glasses...and we believe they were
left behind during one of our 2 open house weekends back in mid September
*** Please contact anyone on the Hawk Cliff Foundation executive or talk to
Su Redmond at the hawkwatch (she has the glasses).
Lots of visitors out today to enjoy the great weather and help out...my
thanks to all of them...and of course to the usual suspects. Some of the
folks out today included Karen Stewart (Corunna), Jim Taylor (Trenton),
Kathy Baker (Bradford), Susanne Meyer (New Market), Sally Brownell (Holland
Ctr), Jane and Rodger Harvey (U.K.), Tim Farewell (Hensall), Ken Farewell
(Exeter), Don Farewell (Stratford), Dorothy Kay (St. Thomas), Don and
Danielle Wencel (London) and Helen and Noel Thompson (St. Thomas).
Weather:
Today's clear blue skies made spotting birds difficult. Winds were as
predicted from the SW and S and fairly strong. Temp made it to 22
C...unbelievble given we're approaching the end of October!!
Raptor Observations:
Even though the wind direction was not the best...today's flight was
interesting. The total for the day was 687. Highlights were 3 more Golden
Eagles and a 4th one which caught a smaller rodent which it took to a tree
to devour...and never did come across to be counted today. A decent
movement of Sharpies with 307 (all adults except perhaps 2 or 3). A lone
Peregrine...which ties our 1-Yr record of 141. We also spotted a Northern
Goshawk and a lone Red-shoulder...along with another single Osprey.
Non-raptor Observations:
A good day for Loons today with at least 50+ observed headed south to the
lake. Lots of flocks of ducks and geese also on the move today. A nice
treat was 6 Eastern Bluebirds and 4 Chipping Sparrows all in the same tree
right next to the counters. Also observed were flocks of Horned Larks and a
couple of American Pipits and a Pileated Woodpecker.
Predictions:
More SW winds predicted for Monday with a mix of sun and cloud...likely
similar to today's flight. Keep an eye on Tues. and Wed. with predicted
moderate to strong NW winds...if the rain holds off it could bring our
first really significant movement of buteos and Golden Eagles.
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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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