Hello,Im BIGFRANK,your host and avid raptor watcher. Please read the information provided,then plan to join me in watching birds of prey flying along the shoreline of Lake Ontario from atop the western end of The Scarborough Bluffs. Possible sightings of 15 species of raptors(birds of prey),includuing Osprey,Redtailed Hawks,Golden and Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures.
WHERE: Rosetta McClain Gardens in Scarborough Ontario Canada,at Kingston Rd and Glen Everest Rd. One stop-light east of Kingston Rd and Birchmount Rd. If you have them bring scopes,binoculars,cameras and bird books. The gardens are wheelchair accessible and have bathrooms and many benches. NOTE The following ARE NOT ALLOWED in the Gardens,dogs,picnics,bicycle riding or ball playing.
When: From Aug15-Nov30 almost daily I will be present counting migrating raptors. Peak migration is from mid-September to mid-October. Peak time of day is most often 10am-2pm. Optimal conditions for large movements of raptors are on days with moderate north-west winds and nice white puffy clouds,though any day could bring great things.
WHAT IS SEEN: Any given day,any or all of 15 species of migrating birds of prey can be seen migrating along the shores of Lake Ontario. Some birds will land briefly in the trees of the gardens,some circle briefly,while most fly past. Past years between 4000 and 6000 raptors have been seen,with our best day last year being 845.
Please check back often once fall migration season starts for daily reports. If you decide to join me,I will do my best to show you whatever comes our way and pass on information to you. We have a great band of regulars who are happy to help. We welcome everyone,beginners to expert. Contact me at raptor.watch@hotmail.com if U have any questions.
AUG 1-15,2009 Summary
August has started out,much as expected...slowly. Migration starts but things dont really pick-up until the week or so. Thus far early days have seen Walter,Dave,Beryl,Carol,Lee and I find 21 raptors,consisting of:
1-Osprey
2-Turkey Vultures
2-Northern Harriers
5-Sharp-shinned Hawks
2-Coopers Hawks
1-Broadwinged Hawk
1-Redtailed Hawk
2-American Kestrels
3- Merlins
2 Peregrine Falcons
21-Total Raptors Aug 1-15
The heat and humidity are not condusive to movement of birds of prey. Included with todays report is a short video clip of one of the Peregrine Falcons. This is sort of an experiment so please bear with me.
