Holiday Beach Hawk Watch
Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 15, 2023
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Turkey Vulture 3382 28138 31138
Osprey 0 4 45
Bald Eagle 6 53 177
Northern Harrier 26 246 618
Sharp-shinned Hawk 377 1451 6654
Cooper's Hawk 8 93 184
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 60 60
Broad-winged Hawk 3 126 56711
Red-tailed Hawk 40 211 386
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 74 1267 2462
Merlin 2 19 114
Peregrine Falcon 1 34 72
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
Total: 3922 31702 98621
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Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Chuck Sharbaugh, Cindy Isenhoff, Cramer, Liz Kent,
Michael Arthurs, Paul Gosselin, Paul Pratt,
Ralph Billingsley
Visitors:
Today was Hawktoberfest and there were lots of visitors to the Tower keen
to see the Raptor Migration - and they weren't disappointed! Big thanks to
Chuck, Cramer, Cindy, Paul P, Paul G, Neil, Michael and Ralph for observing
and recording. It was good to see Steve, Kelly and Heidi, Nelsy and Connor
on the Tower. It was good to meet Nicole from Hamilton and Craig from
Indiana, Dave from Owen Sound, Ralph with MJ, Sarah and Eric, Rebecca,
Megan and many other visitors to the Hawktoberfest.
Weather:
The wind was moderate to strong generally from the north west, with
variable cloud cover throughout the day. The temperature was around 10c,
but it felt colder on the Tower due to the gusty wind. Visibility was
generally good.
Raptor Observations:
Turkey Vultures (3382) started late and messed about with some coming over
the tower and the majority headed into the wind along the eastern tree
line. Sharp-shinned Hawks (377) peaked mid morning and then came through in
consistent numbers for the rest of the day. American Kestrels (74) rushed
through in the first hour then disappeared for a while and flew past again
in the afternoon. Red-tailed Hawks (40) led the buteos with very few
others. Northern Harriers (27) had another good day.
Non-raptor Observations:
A good day today with lots of eyes on and around the Tower. Seven species
of warbler, with Yellow-rumped Warbler in the majority. Five species of
Sparrow including White-crowned. The birds of the day were undoubtedly a
flock of American White Pelicans (22) that flew close to the tower before
heading west up the marsh and almost landing. A single Common Tern, seen
flying west on the lake was a new species for the season. Blue Jays (2,550)
took a break today, being outnumbered by Red-winged Blackbirds (3250).
Rusty Blackbirds (171) continue to increase. The list is at
https://ebird.org/checklist/S152357863
Predictions:
Tomorrow's forecast is for a similar wind to day from the north west, but
likely to be overcast. The temperature will be about the same. It is likely
that the mix will be similar to today, hopefully with more Turkey Vultures
and more Buteos mixed in.
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Report submitted by Hugh Kent ([email protected])
Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://hbmo.ca/
More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=100
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