Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch
Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 05, 2014
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 15 135
Osprey 5 10 93
Bald Eagle 0 0 58
Northern Harrier 2 6 399
Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 69 4645
Cooper's Hawk 0 2 72
Northern Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 1 70565
Red-tailed Hawk 3 3 29
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 18 42 1787
Merlin 0 0 42
Peregrine Falcon 7 50 95
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1
Total: 59 198 77922
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 13:00:00
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Dunn
Observers: Chris Burris, Dave Verkley, Don Taylor, Keith Sealy,
Mary Carnahan
Visitors:
Thanks to everyone who helped with today's count. It's tough when migration
is so slow.
Weather:
The winds were (as expected) from the WSW for most of the day and slowed
the migration. Temp was quite cool starting at 6C and getting to a high of
just 10C...and there was higher humidity.
Raptor Observations:
Another rather slow raptor day with a total of 59 birds...but spectacular,
low and close looks at seven PEREGRINES made up for the low raptor count.
During the slow intervals, many of the observers and several visitors
enjoyed a cool autumn day beating the bushes for passerines.
Almost an instant replay of yesterday's flight with Osprey (5), N. Harrier
(2), Sharpie (24), Redtail (3), Kestrels (18) and the Peregrines (7).
Non-raptor Observations:
Today was another fine day for birding and bugging at Hawk Cliff with
something for everybody with the following highlights. Seen from the
observation knoll were the usual Geese, Gulls (including 1 Bopnaparte's
Gull), 2 Wood Ducks, Jays (fewer than 2000 counted, flight path to the
north), flocks of Goldfinch, Horned Larks, Pine Siskins and 11 warbler
species, Blue-headed Vireo, Kinglets (both species), Loons and Great Blue
Heron. The warblers, vireos, etc. were mainly in the bushes surrounding
the knoll although a few were seen across the road; warblers noted today
were Mgnolia, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Cape May, Palm,
Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Am. Redstart, Nashville, Northern Parula, and
Common Yellowthroat. among the species seen across the road were Song and
White-throated Sparrows,Eastern Towhee and Carolina Wren.
In other spots up and down the road today were 3 species of Woodpecker
(Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied) while a Pileated was spotted from the knoll.
Last but certainly not least, Chris Burris had a good look at a probable
GRAY FLYCATCHER just south of Sharpie Alley on the east side of the road.
For more details see Chris's post on ONTBIRDS.
Monarch Butterflies continued the trek today; during sunny periods they
were seen rising from their roosts and pushing farther west, often having
to descend again and wait for the sun to re-emrge from behind thick clouds.
Other butterflies noted today were Cabbage White, Orange and Clouded
Sulphur, and a single small Skipper which, from the description provided,
may have been a Fiery Skipper.
Dragonflies were seen in sheltered spots and, like the monarchs, in the
field during sunny, less windy moments. 1 Green darner was reported along
with 4 Black Saddlebags. Near the pond one observer found a perched Shadow
Darner. Also, a large mosaic darner was seen patrolling a wet area in the
woods; the predominant colour of the mosaic markings on the abdomen was
bright blue (possibly Lance-tipped).
Predictions:
Monday will see more SW winds (the good) but a 50% chance of rain midday
(the bad)...and the forecast is for solid cloud cover and cool (the ugly).
More of the same for Tuesday. If the winds are truly SW and moderate then I
think more Peregrines (and other species that use the updraft at the cliff)
will be on the move.
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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
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