Bald Eagle Record..Great Upflight...Total Raptors Counted 318

Northern Harrier

juvenile Bald Eagle

Walter and I arrived very early,joined in short order by Meaghan and Charles. The upflight was quite amazing. Upflight means birds that have stayed overnight quite nearby. Generally they leave first thing the morning after a big day,like yesterday.The first bird was at 6:37am,barely after sunrise. By 9am we had 125 raptors. Included in that 125 were 4 juvenile Bald Eagles. Single birds passed at 8:15am,8:37am and 2 together at 8:45am. Shades of things to come. 14 more Bald Eagles passed by 2 being full adults,for a record,final total of 18 Bald Eagles. Previously we had seen 10 in one day. Most were either well out over the lake,or to the north of the park,thanks to Jean Iron for her scope confirmations of many of the birds. A few early Bald Eagles flew near and close,like in these photos,sent to us by Ann.

Unique views offered ..Bald Eagle from above.

Bald Eagle Flys By

We saw another 15 Osprey,further extending climbing total,which now stands at an incredible 144. Anticdotally we have heard from many folks that northern Ontario lakes had many Osprey. It appears to be very true.

Sharpshinned Hawks and American Kestrels continued to be on the move,with 84 and 24 respectively,by 9am. A Peregrine Falcon showed itself. It clearly had a very full crop(had just eaten). It appears to be unbanded.

Sharpshinned Hawk Close-up

We welcomed back Mary from the UK,Bruce Falls and many new folks,including Hugh, and Charles. Present and spotting/photographing birds were Ann,Niloc(Colin),Jerry,Meaghan,Murray,Lee,Berle,Carol,Cory,Betty,Pat,Don,Ron,Jean and Walter. Ive no doubt given the challanging conditions that so many observers definetly aided the count. Many thanks to everyone for their contributions.

Todays final tally of 318 raptors consisted of:

Osprey.............................15

Bald Eagle(record)........18(times at bottom of post)

Northern Harrier..........17

Sharpshinned Hawk..190

Coopers Hawk................5

Broadwinged Hawk......18

Redtailed Hawk..............5

American Kestrel.........46

Merlin.............................3

Peregrine Falcon...........1

Year to date we have a fantastic 1495 raptors observed.

Bald Eagles seen today are juvenile unless noted.

815am,837am,2 at 845am,915am,1025am,1034am,1107am,1145am,1151am,1205pm 2juvies + one adult,1220pm,1245pm adult,1247pm,130pm .

We also saw 7 Common Loons and a Common Nighthawk.

Come out and join me!

Keep your eye on Tuesday for our next big flight. That said birds surprise us all the time.