Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 28, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 138 21335 21533
Osprey 0 12 212
Bald Eagle 3 95 239
Northern Harrier 10 273 585
Sharp-shinned Hawk 92 3418 8275
Cooper's Hawk 10 153 208
Northern Goshawk 2 6 6
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 244 244
Broad-winged Hawk 0 12 100354
Red-tailed Hawk 56 1297 1303
Rough-legged Hawk 4 10 10
Golden Eagle 30 51 51
American Kestrel 0 1372 3792
Merlin 3 25 99
Peregrine Falcon 0 22 50
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 7
Unknown Buteo 0 1 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Mississippi Kite 0 0 1
Total: 351 28326 136971
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Colin Horstead
Observers: Dave Brown, Dave Verkley, Eric Single, Jason McGuire,
John Potticary, Kathy Knott, Mark Cunningham,
Mary Carnahan, Ronnie Goodhand, Wayne Parnall
Visitors:
Mostly just the diehards of the usual crew today...thanks to those that
braved the weather to help out.
Weather:
Well, after a few days of rotten weather the large low pressure system
pulled off to the east resulting in VERY strong NNW winds for the day.
Luckily, the streamers of mixed rain and snow stayed to our west allowing
the birds to get at least as far as Hawk Cliff. Temp was quite cool to just
9C (understandable given the heavy winds). The sky was good for spotting
birds with broken cloud...even breaking out to almost completely blue skies
once in a while.
Raptor Observations:
Not surprisingly, the birds were on the move today, getting out while the
getting was good. What was surprising was the number of Golden
Eagles...with 30 for the day!! In fact we had 11 in ONE HOUR from 11-12
(EST)...very close to our previous high of 13 in one hour back on October
27th 2004. Not on only were there good numbers of Golden Eagles, but with
the heavy winds they were often "on the deck" provding some fantastic
views. They were also a good mix of ages as evidenced by differing plumages
and ongoing molt.
Total birds for the day were 351...with other highlights being Roughlegs
(4) including a couple of dark morph birds...and Northern Goshawks (2) both
young birds and one that circled nicely for a good view. Also Harriers (10)
were crossing just feet off the ground...several of which were males.
Non-raptor Observations:
A pile of passerines on the move as well today...lots of Robins, some
pipits, blackbirds and crows.
Predictions:
Both Wed and Thu are looking promising with strong NW winds....the only
question being on Wed with the possibility of rain/snow. Also, keep a
watch on Sat with predicted lighter N winds and sunshine.
========================================================================
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
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected]
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
