Thankyou to everyone who came out this fall to help search, identify, and photograph the birds, bugs, animals, and flowers. What a wonderful time we had together!
Dec 15th - It's Over! Thankyou All!
LOL - The 'extended' part of our hawk watching sure didn't prove to be very fruitful at all. Oh well, we tried. I was at the park today for roughly two hours and it sure was quiet all around - no birds and no people!
Thankyou to everyone who came out this fall to help search, identify, and photograph the birds, bugs, animals, and flowers. What a wonderful time we had together!
Thankyou to everyone who came out this fall to help search, identify, and photograph the birds, bugs, animals, and flowers. What a wonderful time we had together!
Dec 9th - Hope Is Fading Fast!
LOL, if it hasn't completely gone already! Given the wind forecast for the rest of the week, we might be done! Anyway, I'll be down at the park today.....for a short stay if nothing else. Might have a rarity or something show-up!
Walter
Walter
2015 Christmas Luncheon
Just want to say thankyou to everyone for another fabulous Lucheon this year. Lots of great food and lots of great laughs had by all! It's always nice to see everyone dressed-up and minus their hawk-watching gear!
Don't forget the Christmas Luncheon is this weekend...
Once again this year Lee has been kind enough to set up a place, date and time for our annual season-ending Christmas Luncheon.
PLACE: East Side Mario's
12 Lebovic Avenue (Eglinton Ave E & Warden Ave)
In the Eglinton Town Centre
DATE: Sunday December 6th
TIME: 1:00 PM
Please let either Lee know via the Friends of Rosetta McClain Gardens Facebook page or myself know in the comment section at the bottom of this post or via my email if you will be attending.
Confirmed:
Lee
Dave C
Christina & Brian
Angie & Rob
Walter
Mark
Anne
Berle
Gunnar & Vivian
Helena
Hugh
Charlie
Phil & the kids
Patty
Dave S
Arvo
Hope to see you there!
Walter/Lee
_______________________________________
Don't forget the Christmas Luncheon is this weekend...
Once again this year Lee has been kind enough to set up a place, date and time for our annual season-ending Christmas Luncheon.
PLACE: East Side Mario's
12 Lebovic Avenue (Eglinton Ave E & Warden Ave)
In the Eglinton Town Centre
DATE: Sunday December 6th
TIME: 1:00 PM
Please let either Lee know via the Friends of Rosetta McClain Gardens Facebook page or myself know in the comment section at the bottom of this post or via my email if you will be attending.
Confirmed:
Lee
Dave C
Christina & Brian
Angie & Rob
Walter
Mark
Anne
Berle
Gunnar & Vivian
Helena
Hugh
Charlie
Phil & the kids
Patty
Dave S
Arvo
Hope to see you there!
Walter/Lee
Dec 2nd - Pileated, Great Horned, and Red-tails
Today we returned to the park for some more hawk watching but unfortunately today was not the day for that. Instead for excitement we heard towards the north end of the park the call of a Pileated Woodpecker, a species we did not have on our fall survey of the park and always a thrill to hear. Also, we watched in amazement as roughly 9 or 10 crows gathered to scold the heck out of a Great Horned Owl which sat in a tree down near the bottom of the bluffs. The owl eventually moved further along the bluffs towards Bluffer's Park out of sight. It eventually flew back and landed in a tree directly below the hawk watch and the crows all came back as well. We also had 2 Red-tails fly overhead at 2:30pm. Not entirely positive as to whether they were migrants or the locals. Oh well, great to see them all the same! Another nice sighting today was a lone Golden-crowned Kinglet which Pat found up in the pear tree.
Weather Prediction:
Dec 3rd - a mix of sun of clouds, NW 20-25km/h and gusting to 39km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
I'll be late getting to the park in the morning, so if you go, please keep track of what you see. Thanks!
See you there,
Walter
Weather Prediction:
Dec 3rd - a mix of sun of clouds, NW 20-25km/h and gusting to 39km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
I'll be late getting to the park in the morning, so if you go, please keep track of what you see. Thanks!
See you there,
Walter
A Hawk Watch Extention of Sorts...
I've noticed that at least one Ontario hawk watch is going to continue into the first two weeks of December because the belief is there are still many hawks yet to migrate through. It sounds good to me! So if you're interested, I'll be down at the park until December 15th searching the sky! Yes, the Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch continues - because hawk watching is so much fun!!! This will not be part of our 'official' count but will be recorded on the blog.
See you at the park,
Walter
See you at the park,
Walter
Dec 1st - 'Statistics' Section Updated
The 'Statistics' section down the right-hand column has now been fully updated to include the 2015 Raptor Watch numbers. Just click 'No thanks...' at the bottom of the Dropbox pop-up window to view each.
Walter
Walter
Nov 30th - Our 3rd Best Count Ever!
The following is a review of what happened during our time at the hawk watch...
Turkey Vulture (2719) - Our 2nd best year ever for this species. October was our second best month ever for 'TVs' with a count of 2515 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 1134 birds.
Osprey (94) - Our 7th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 11th when we observed 10 birds. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 4th - breaking our previous record by 2 days.
Bald Eagle (70) - Our 4th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 30th when we observed 26 birds - only 2 birds shy of a new record. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 28th - breaking our previous record by 4 days.
Northern Harrier (205) - Our 7th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 30th when we observed 21 birds. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 28th - tying our previous record.
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2733) - Our 3rd best count ever for this species - only 65 birds away from being our 2nd highest count! September was our 3rd best month ever for 'sharpies' missing a new high count by only 49 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 14th when we observed 253 birds.
Cooper's Hawk (55) - Our 11th best count ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 6 birds.
Northern Goshawk (6) - Our 10th best count ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season was 1 on 6 separate dates.
Red-shouldered Hawk (41) - Our 3rd best year ever for this species. October was our 3rd best month ever for 'shoulders' with a count of 39 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 25th when we observed 14 birds.
Broad-winged Hawk (90) - Our 9th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 11th when we observed 69 birds. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 14th - breaking our previous record by 16 days!
Red-tailed Hawk (551) - Our 10th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 130 birds.
Rough-legged Hawk (4) - Our 10th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on November 8th when we observed 2 birds.
Golden Eagle (6) - Our 8th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 25th when we observed 4 birds.
American Kestrel (302) - Our 10th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 6th when we observed 51 birds.
Merlin (114) - Our 3rd best year ever for this species. September was our 2nd best month ever for Merlin with a count of 66 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 24th and again on October 22nd when we observed 9 birds on each day.
Peregrine Falcon (60) - Our 6th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 16th when we observed 9 birds.
Total Raptors (7052) - Our 3rd best year ever at Rosetta. October was our 3rd best month ever for migrating raptors with a count of 3956 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 1445 birds.
Plus...
Species Survey - Birds (131) - Highlights included the following new species for our 'Park List' - Northern Pintail, American Golden Plover, and Tufted Titmouse. Our list of birds seen at Rosetta now sits at 210 species! Other great sightings included a lone Hooded Merganser, an adult and a juvenile Black-billed Cuckoo, and a Great Horned Owl was a thrill for those gathered at the park to watch the solar eclipse that occurred on September 27th.
Species Survey - Mammals (10) - Nothing overly exciting was observed this year again.
Species Survey - Butterflies (22) - It's was another great season for butterflies. Although no new species were observed, we did have a lone Spicebush Swallowtail on September 4th - a species not regularly seen in the Gardens. Our sightings of Giant Swallowtails (a recent 'Ontario' breeder) plummeted from an amazing 19 sightings last year to only 3 seen this year, all on the same day and all at the same time.
Monarch Butterfly Count (4386) - Not quite as high a count as last year but I suspect the near-complete lack of northwest wind had a big part to play in the overall low count this fall. On September 20th we observed an estimated 1500+ Monarchs flying westward. Terry and Betty, with the help of many others, managed to capture, weigh, measure, tag, and release an amazing 306 Monarchs this season.
Walter
Turkey Vulture (2719) - Our 2nd best year ever for this species. October was our second best month ever for 'TVs' with a count of 2515 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 1134 birds.
Osprey (94) - Our 7th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 11th when we observed 10 birds. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 4th - breaking our previous record by 2 days.
Bald Eagle (70) - Our 4th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 30th when we observed 26 birds - only 2 birds shy of a new record. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 28th - breaking our previous record by 4 days.
Northern Harrier (205) - Our 7th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 30th when we observed 21 birds. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 28th - tying our previous record.
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2733) - Our 3rd best count ever for this species - only 65 birds away from being our 2nd highest count! September was our 3rd best month ever for 'sharpies' missing a new high count by only 49 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 14th when we observed 253 birds.
Cooper's Hawk (55) - Our 11th best count ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 6 birds.
Northern Goshawk (6) - Our 10th best count ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season was 1 on 6 separate dates.
Red-shouldered Hawk (41) - Our 3rd best year ever for this species. October was our 3rd best month ever for 'shoulders' with a count of 39 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 25th when we observed 14 birds.
Broad-winged Hawk (90) - Our 9th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 11th when we observed 69 birds. Our latest date for this species occurred on November 14th - breaking our previous record by 16 days!
Red-tailed Hawk (551) - Our 10th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 130 birds.
Rough-legged Hawk (4) - Our 10th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on November 8th when we observed 2 birds.
Golden Eagle (6) - Our 8th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 25th when we observed 4 birds.
American Kestrel (302) - Our 10th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 6th when we observed 51 birds.
Merlin (114) - Our 3rd best year ever for this species. September was our 2nd best month ever for Merlin with a count of 66 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on September 24th and again on October 22nd when we observed 9 birds on each day.
Peregrine Falcon (60) - Our 6th best year ever for this species. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 16th when we observed 9 birds.
Total Raptors (7052) - Our 3rd best year ever at Rosetta. October was our 3rd best month ever for migrating raptors with a count of 3956 birds. Our highest day count for the season occurred on October 17th when we observed 1445 birds.
Plus...
Species Survey - Birds (131) - Highlights included the following new species for our 'Park List' - Northern Pintail, American Golden Plover, and Tufted Titmouse. Our list of birds seen at Rosetta now sits at 210 species! Other great sightings included a lone Hooded Merganser, an adult and a juvenile Black-billed Cuckoo, and a Great Horned Owl was a thrill for those gathered at the park to watch the solar eclipse that occurred on September 27th.
Species Survey - Mammals (10) - Nothing overly exciting was observed this year again.
Species Survey - Butterflies (22) - It's was another great season for butterflies. Although no new species were observed, we did have a lone Spicebush Swallowtail on September 4th - a species not regularly seen in the Gardens. Our sightings of Giant Swallowtails (a recent 'Ontario' breeder) plummeted from an amazing 19 sightings last year to only 3 seen this year, all on the same day and all at the same time.
Monarch Butterfly Count (4386) - Not quite as high a count as last year but I suspect the near-complete lack of northwest wind had a big part to play in the overall low count this fall. On September 20th we observed an estimated 1500+ Monarchs flying westward. Terry and Betty, with the help of many others, managed to capture, weigh, measure, tag, and release an amazing 306 Monarchs this season.
Walter
Nov 30th - 2 More Birds To End It!
A number of us gathered at the fence this afternoon one last time to hopefully see a few more birds fly over. It wasn't too long before a Red-tail came along and then eventually a Cooper's Hawk flew over the north end of the park. Sadly, that was it tho, another year in the books!
Stay tuned for a complete summary and closing comments.
Walter
Stay tuned for a complete summary and closing comments.
Walter
Nov 29th - A Few More
Today was reasonably slow at the park and with only 1 day left of hawk watching, I don't feel too bad about it. They're all gone!
Today might've actually been our last day given the nasty weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning. I'll watch the weather and then decide one way or another about giving it one last go if the clouds clear.
Today:
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 3
Total - 4
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 70 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 205 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2733 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 55 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 41 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 551 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 114 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 60 (68) (102)
Total - 7050 (5963) (11128)
seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014
highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014
Hawkwatchers:
Allison, Hugh, Joe, Ann, Betty, Pat & Nancy, Charlie, Diana, and a few others who stopped by. Thanks for company today, always an enjoyable time.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 30th - freezing drizzle switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, E 15km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
(Maybe) I'll see you tomorrow for the big finish,
Walter
Today might've actually been our last day given the nasty weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning. I'll watch the weather and then decide one way or another about giving it one last go if the clouds clear.
Today:
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 3
Total - 4
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 70 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 205 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2733 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 55 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 41 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 551 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 114 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 60 (68) (102)
Total - 7050 (5963) (11128)
seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014
highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014
Hawkwatchers:
Allison, Hugh, Joe, Ann, Betty, Pat & Nancy, Charlie, Diana, and a few others who stopped by. Thanks for company today, always an enjoyable time.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 30th - freezing drizzle switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, E 15km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
(Maybe) I'll see you tomorrow for the big finish,
Walter
Nov 28th - Our Best Late Season Day Ever!
When I arrived at the park today the watchers gathered had already counted 3 hawks. Usually at this late time in the season that would be a full days worth of birds. At one point in the morning we had 6 Red-tailed Hawks and a Red-shouldered Hawk over the park at the same time. As the wind shifted from ENE to E the bird migration came to an end for the day. A total of 20 raptors were counted for the day.
Today:
Bald Eagle - 1
Northern Harrier - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 16
Total - 20
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 70 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 205 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2733 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 54 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 41 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 548 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 114 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 60 (68) (102)
Total - 7046 (5963) (11128)
seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014
highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014
Eagle Time (EST):
10:42am - BE (adult)
Other Birds:
American Goldfinch - many groups flying east and west this morning
Loon sp. - 14 counted today
Hawkwatchers:
Kris, Phil, Peter, Arvo, Betty, Joe, Dave, Pat & Nancy, Allison, Lee, and Bruce. Thankyou everyone!
Today:
Bald Eagle - 1
Northern Harrier - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 16
Total - 20
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 70 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 205 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2733 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 54 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 41 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 548 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 114 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 60 (68) (102)
Total - 7046 (5963) (11128)
seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014
highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014
Eagle Time (EST):
10:42am - BE (adult)
male Cooper's Hawk (Lee)
Other Birds:
American Goldfinch - many groups flying east and west this morning
Loon sp. - 14 counted today
Hawkwatchers:
Kris, Phil, Peter, Arvo, Betty, Joe, Dave, Pat & Nancy, Allison, Lee, and Bruce. Thankyou everyone!
(Betty)
Weather Prediction:
Nov 29th - mainly sunny switching to a mix of sun and clouds in the afternoon, NW 5 km/h switching to NE 5 km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Fingers crossed we squeeze out a few more birds tomorrow.
Walter
Nov 27th - Tomorrow
Weather Prediction:
Nov 28th - mainly sunny switching to sunny in the afternoon, N 15km/h switching to N 10km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Being that there are only 3 days left of hawk watching at Rosetta I'm hoping that the birds understand that and they will pass overhead this weekend!
See you there,
Walter
Nov 28th - mainly sunny switching to sunny in the afternoon, N 15km/h switching to N 10km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Being that there are only 3 days left of hawk watching at Rosetta I'm hoping that the birds understand that and they will pass overhead this weekend!
See you there,
Walter
Nov 20th thru 24th - Very Slow!
Sorry for not updating the blog the last few days but you're really haven't missed much anyway, it's been very slow and rightly so, we're nearing the end afterall. It's the way it should be!
Nov 20th - 24th
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 2
Merlin - 1
Peregrine Falcon - 1
Total - 7
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 204 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2733 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 53 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 40 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 532 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 114 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 60 (68) (102)
Total - 7026 (5963) (11128)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
The numbers in blue are our highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014.
Thankyou to all who have come out the last few days to watch for migrating hawks. Fabulous work!
I'll be back at the park tomorrow around 10:00am but may not stay very long as I'll be going elsewhere in the afternoon.
See you at the fence,
Walter
Nov 20th - 24th
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 2
Merlin - 1
Peregrine Falcon - 1
Total - 7
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 204 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2733 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 53 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 40 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 532 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 114 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 60 (68) (102)
Total - 7026 (5963) (11128)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
The numbers in blue are our highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014.
Red-shouldered Hawk (Kris)
Red-tailed Hawk (Kris)
Thankyou to all who have come out the last few days to watch for migrating hawks. Fabulous work!
I'll be back at the park tomorrow around 10:00am but may not stay very long as I'll be going elsewhere in the afternoon.
See you at the fence,
Walter
Nov 20th - Tufted Titmouse @ Rosetta!!!
So this morning I'm standing there all alone watching the sky for hawks and listening to the only sound in the park - a little bird squeekin' away in the big Blue Spruce beside me. At first I thought that it was just another chickadee but eventually it clicked-in that something didn't sound quite right with this one. I quickly searched the tree with my binoculars and eventually found the little fellow - a Tufted Titmouse! This is the bird that I've wanted to see at Rosetta since day one! Oh happy day!!!
bird species #210 for our 'Park' list!
Will look for it again tomorrow if the forecasted rain and/or snow allows me to.
BTW - No hawks counted today!
See you at the park,
Walter
Nov 17th - Cold & Blustery!
Wow, what a difference a day makes! Blurrrr!
Today:
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Peregrine Falcon - 2
Total - 3
Weather Prediction:
Nov 18th - a mix of sun and clouds, E 20km/h and gusting to 36km/h switching to SE 25km/h and gusting to 38km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
See you at the park,
Walter
Today:
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Peregrine Falcon - 2
Total - 3
Weather Prediction:
Nov 18th - a mix of sun and clouds, E 20km/h and gusting to 36km/h switching to SE 25km/h and gusting to 38km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
See you at the park,
Walter
Nov 16th - More Butterflies Than Birds!!!
Yes, you read that right, more butterflies than birds! And yes, it is November 16th! Isn't that just crazy? What will all these upcoming south and south-west wind days do for our hawk watching?
Today:
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Other Birds:
Purple Finch - observed landing in the park twice today!
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 3 (possibly a 4th)
Hawkwatchers:
Weather Prediction:
Nov 17th - sunny switching to mainly sunny (isn't that the same as partly cloudy?) in the afternoon, E 30 km/h and gusting to 50km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Today:
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Other Birds:
Purple Finch - observed landing in the park twice today!
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 3 (possibly a 4th)
very fresh looking! (Walter)
just a shot to confirm it was a different individual (Walter)
a late Celery Looper moth (Walter)
Hawkwatchers:
Bill, Hugh, Rosemary, Terry, Carol, Betty, Bonnie, and one or two others.....sorry, I wasn't paying much attention today.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 17th - sunny switching to mainly sunny (isn't that the same as partly cloudy?) in the afternoon, E 30 km/h and gusting to 50km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Nov 15th - 3 Birds!
Today at Rosetta we didn't have an 'Open House', instead we had an 'Open Door' and we used it to the max! Some people came and some people left (including me!) As wind for hawk migration was not in our favour today I and three others left the park to go view divers and dabblers out at Cranberry Marsh in Whitby.
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 3
Hawkwatchers:
John, Betty, Pat & Nancy, Sheridan, Allison, Mike & Leslie, Peter, Cori, and maybe a few others.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 16th - sunny switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, NW 10km/h switching to E 15km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
See you there,
Walter
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 3
Hawkwatchers:
John, Betty, Pat & Nancy, Sheridan, Allison, Mike & Leslie, Peter, Cori, and maybe a few others.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 16th - sunny switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, NW 10km/h switching to E 15km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
See you there,
Walter
Nov 14th - 7000th and a Late BW!
Today was another gorgeous November day to be at the park although it did get a little overcast and damp feeling towards late afternoon. Lots of good folks on-hand to catch every bird that flew overhead. Highlights today included our 7000th bird of the season - a Red-tailed Hawk, and a very late Broad-winged Hawk which flew low and right over top of us. Our previous late date for a Broad-wing was on October 29th back in 2010.
Today:
Northern Harrier - 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Northern Goshawk - 1
Broad-winged Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 31
Merlin - 1
Total - 41
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 203 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2731 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 52 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 527 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 113 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68) (102)
Total - 7012 (5963) (11128)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
The numbers in blue are our highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014.
Some really spectacular shots again today...
What a nice surprise this late migrant was...
And then there was this beautiful male flying low over us...
Other Birds:
American Goldfinch - many groups migrating in the morning
American Robin - many small groups migrating in the morning
Brown-headed Cowbird - several migrating with m/f RW Blackbirds
Cedar Waxwing - several flying over and around the park
Common Loon - 31 counted migrating south over the park
Eastern Bluebird - 2 small groups migrating in the morning
House Finch - a number of small groups migrating earlier in the day
Red-winged Blackbird - many large groups migrating in the morning
Hawkwatchers:
Mark, Mike, Paul, Phil, Peter, Ron, Dave, Betty, Sonja, Gunnar, Manfred, Allison, Pat & Nancy, Berle, Lee, Charlie, John, and a few others who stopped in. Thankyou everyone for a great day!
Weather Prediction:
Nov 15th - sunny switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, SW 20km/h gusting to 30km/h switching to W 15km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Today:
Northern Harrier - 3
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Northern Goshawk - 1
Broad-winged Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 31
Merlin - 1
Total - 41
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 203 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2731 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 52 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 6 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 90 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 527 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 113 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68) (102)
Total - 7012 (5963) (11128)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
The numbers in blue are our highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014.
Some really spectacular shots again today...
Red-tailed Hawk (Mike)
Red-tailed Hawk (Paul)
What a nice surprise this late migrant was...
Broad-winged Hawk (Paul)
Broad-winged Hawk (Mike)
Broad-winged Hawk (Mike)
And then there was this beautiful male flying low over us...
Northern Harrier (Ann)
Northern Harrier (Ann)
Northern Harrier (Charlie)
Northern Harrier (Paul)
Other Birds:
American Goldfinch - many groups migrating in the morning
American Robin - many small groups migrating in the morning
Brown-headed Cowbird - several migrating with m/f RW Blackbirds
Cedar Waxwing - several flying over and around the park
Common Loon - 31 counted migrating south over the park
Eastern Bluebird - 2 small groups migrating in the morning
House Finch - a number of small groups migrating earlier in the day
Red-winged Blackbird - many large groups migrating in the morning
Cedar Waxwing (Paul)
American Crow (Paul)
Hawkwatchers:
Mark, Mike, Paul, Phil, Peter, Ron, Dave, Betty, Sonja, Gunnar, Manfred, Allison, Pat & Nancy, Berle, Lee, Charlie, John, and a few others who stopped in. Thankyou everyone for a great day!
Just a few of us! (Ann)
Weather Prediction:
Nov 15th - sunny switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, SW 20km/h gusting to 30km/h switching to W 15km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Nov 13th - Two More!
Not a lot happening at the Watch today, just 2 countable birds flew by. Maybe tomorrow! Just 29 more raptors to reach 7000 for the season!
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 2
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 200 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2729 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 496 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 112 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68) (102)
Total - 6971 (5963) (11128)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
The numbers in blue are our highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds:
American Goldfinch - a number of small flock in the air overhead
Loon sp - 1 out of the lake
Long-tailed Duck - a few out on the lake
Red-breasted Merganser - a few out on the lake
Butterflies:
None
Mammals:
Eastern Cottontail - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Lee, Berle, Peter, and Cori
Weather Prediction:
Nov 14th - a mix of sun and clouds switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, NW 25km/h and gusting to 41km/h switching to W 20km/h and gusting to 36km/h in the afternoon. (theweathernetwork.com) Please check again before you leave the house as I'm sure this forecast will change.....it always does!
See you at the park!
Walter
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 2
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461) (3306)
Osprey - 94 (110) (211)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57) (109)
Northern Harrier - 200 (244) (488)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2729 (2191) (3712)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95) (127)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18) (24)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25) (83)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216) (1418)
Red-tailed Hawk - 496 (757) (1019)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10) (28)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10) (20)
American Kestrel - 302 (561) (719)
Merlin - 112 (72) (130)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68) (102)
Total - 6971 (5963) (11128)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
The numbers in blue are our highest seasonal totals - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds:
American Goldfinch - a number of small flock in the air overhead
Loon sp - 1 out of the lake
Long-tailed Duck - a few out on the lake
Red-breasted Merganser - a few out on the lake
Butterflies:
None
Mammals:
Eastern Cottontail - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Lee, Berle, Peter, and Cori
Weather Prediction:
Nov 14th - a mix of sun and clouds switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, NW 25km/h and gusting to 41km/h switching to W 20km/h and gusting to 36km/h in the afternoon. (theweathernetwork.com) Please check again before you leave the house as I'm sure this forecast will change.....it always does!
See you at the park!
Walter
Nov 11th - Another Bird!
Today a few of us gathered at the park to enjoy a not-so beautiful
November day, gab, and watch a Red-tailed Hawk fly along the bluffs.
Tomorrow it will rain.
Walter
Walter
Nov 9th - Another Bird!
Today a few of us gathered at the park to enjoy another beautiful November day, gab, and watch a Northern Harrier fly along the bluffs. Tomorrow it will rain.
Walter
Walter
Nov 8th - Not Too Bad!
My thanks to the folks that gathered along the bluffs to watch and count hawks today and to Bruce and Hugh for sending me the reports of what happened. Unfortunately an early morning walk out on the Leslie Street Spit pretty much finished me off for the rest of the morning and early afternoon and I couldn't make it to the park. Phil and I did see the reported Barrow's Goldeneye duck today, a life bird for Phil and a record setter for me!
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 7
Northern Harrier - 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 19
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (1 light, 1 dark morph)
Total - 32
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461)
Osprey - 94 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 199 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2728 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 494 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6967 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds:
Common Loon - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Bruce, Hugh, Cori, Pat & Nancy, Mark, Charlie, John, Norm, Bruce & Ann Falls, plus a few others. Thankyou!!!
Weather Prediction:
Nov 9th - sunny, SW 10km/h switching to E 10km/h.
Walter
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 7
Northern Harrier - 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 19
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (1 light, 1 dark morph)
Total - 32
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2719 (1461)
Osprey - 94 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 199 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2728 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 494 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 4 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6967 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds:
Common Loon - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Bruce, Hugh, Cori, Pat & Nancy, Mark, Charlie, John, Norm, Bruce & Ann Falls, plus a few others. Thankyou!!!
Weather Prediction:
Nov 9th - sunny, SW 10km/h switching to E 10km/h.
Walter
Nov 7th - 22 Birds!
Oh those Red-tails were flying high today, wow! The Harriers flew along the bluffs and were much easier to see!
Today:
Northern Harrier - 4
Red-tailed Hawk - 18
Total - 22
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2712 (1461)
Osprey - 94 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 197 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2727 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 475 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6936 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds:
Common Loon - 6
Fox Sparrow - 3
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 2
Monarch - 1 (at Bluffer's Park)
Sulphur sp. - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Ron & Jean, Phil, Bruce, Charlie, Peter, Norm, John, Anne, and a few others who stopped by.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 8th - mainly sunny, W 10km/h becoming W 15km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Today:
Northern Harrier - 4
Red-tailed Hawk - 18
Total - 22
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2712 (1461)
Osprey - 94 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 197 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2727 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 475 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6936 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds:
Common Loon - 6
Fox Sparrow - 3
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 2
Monarch - 1 (at Bluffer's Park)
Sulphur sp. - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Ron & Jean, Phil, Bruce, Charlie, Peter, Norm, John, Anne, and a few others who stopped by.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 8th - mainly sunny, W 10km/h becoming W 15km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Nov 6th - 1 More!
Thanks to a few folks gathered we have 1 more raptor for our count!
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Total - 1
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2712 (1461)
Osprey - 94 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 193 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2727 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 457 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6914 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Hawkwatchers:
Peter, Carol, Manny, Berle, Dave, and a few others.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 7th - chance of a shower switching to a few showers in the afternoon, W 20km/h and gusting to 33km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Because we have a lack of raptor photos this week, I give you the following for your viewing pleasure...
See you at the park,
Walter
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Total - 1
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2712 (1461)
Osprey - 94 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 193 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2727 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 50 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 457 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6914 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Hawkwatchers:
Peter, Carol, Manny, Berle, Dave, and a few others.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 7th - chance of a shower switching to a few showers in the afternoon, W 20km/h and gusting to 33km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Because we have a lack of raptor photos this week, I give you the following for your viewing pleasure...
A woman with a slice of cheese hanging outta her mouth!
See you at the park,
Walter
Nov 5th - One Bird Closer to 7000!
With today's sighting of a lone Cooper's Hawk we move one bird closer to 7000.....only 87 birds more to go! We are also only 355 birds away from our 2nd best count ever at Rosetta. That's amazing considering the lousy fall season wind-wise we've had.
Hawkwatchers:
Pat & Nancy, Manny, Terry, Hugh, and myself
Weather Prediction:
Nov 6th - cloudy with showers switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, S 40km/h and gusting to 71km/h switching to W 30km/h and gusting to 60km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Hawkwatchers:
Pat & Nancy, Manny, Terry, Hugh, and myself
Weather Prediction:
Nov 6th - cloudy with showers switching to mainly sunny in the afternoon, S 40km/h and gusting to 71km/h switching to W 30km/h and gusting to 60km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Nov 4th - A New Record for the RMGRW!
Today Pat, Nancy, and Hugh were at the Watch in time to see an Osprey fly by - this is the latest date that we've ever seen an Osprey over Rosetta breaking the old record by two days! Great sighting!!!
Hawkwatchers:
The morning shift - Hugh, Pat & Nancy, Peter. The afternoon shift - Berle, Manfred, and myself.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 5th - a mix of sun and clouds switching to chance of a shower in the afternoon, S 15km/h switching to S 20 km/h and gusting to 30km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Hawkwatchers:
The morning shift - Hugh, Pat & Nancy, Peter. The afternoon shift - Berle, Manfred, and myself.
Weather Prediction:
Nov 5th - a mix of sun and clouds switching to chance of a shower in the afternoon, S 15km/h switching to S 20 km/h and gusting to 30km/h in the afternoon (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Nov 3rd - 2 More!
Thanks to a few folks gathered we have 2 more raptors for our count!
Today:
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 2
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 7
Orange Sulphur - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Cori, Berle, Allison, Terry, Freida, Pat & Nancy, and one or two others Thankyou!
Weather Prediction:
Nov 4th - sunny, E 15km/h switching to S 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Today:
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 2
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 7
Orange Sulphur - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Cori, Berle, Allison, Terry, Freida, Pat & Nancy, and one or two others Thankyou!
Weather Prediction:
Nov 4th - sunny, E 15km/h switching to S 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Nov 2nd - 2 More!
Thanks to Ann we have 2 more raptors for our count!
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 2
Weather Prediction:
Nov 3rd - sunny, SW 10km/h switching to S 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 2
Weather Prediction:
Nov 3rd - sunny, SW 10km/h switching to S 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Nov 1st - 12 Birds!
Sorry everyone, just the facts tonight. Trust me, you didn't miss much today.
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 8
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Merlin - 1
Total - 12
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2712 (1461)
Osprey - 93 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 192 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2726 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 48 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 455 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6907 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Hawkwatchers:
Ron, Mark, Phil, Charlie, John, Mark A, Anne, Sheree and Kevin, Lee, Cori, Lorne, Arvo, Tim, and Carol. Thankyou everyone!
Weather Prediction:
Nov 2nd - mainly sunny, W 5km/h switching to S 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 8
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Merlin - 1
Total - 12
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2712 (1461)
Osprey - 93 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 192 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2726 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 48 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 455 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 112 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6907 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Hawkwatchers:
Ron, Mark, Phil, Charlie, John, Mark A, Anne, Sheree and Kevin, Lee, Cori, Lorne, Arvo, Tim, and Carol. Thankyou everyone!
Weather Prediction:
Nov 2nd - mainly sunny, W 5km/h switching to S 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Oct 30th - Pepper Specks Across the Sky!
The wind at ground level may have been blowing from the northwest today but it sure as heck wasn't very strong, higher up the clouds seemed to be moving fairly well tho. The flight today was for the most part extremely high up making the birds appear like pepper specks. Hawkwatchers gathered today did a great job in finding, pointing out, and identifying everything they could. Thankyou to all.
Today:
Osprey - 1
Bald Eagle - 1
Northern Harrier - 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 6
Cooper's Hawk - 4
Red-shouldered Hawk - 4
Red-tailed Hawk - 64
Rough-legged Hawk - 1
Merlin - 1
Total - 86
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2704 (1461)
Osprey - 93 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 192 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2724 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 48 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 454 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 111 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6895 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Eagle Time (DST):
03:17pm - BE (juvenile)
Photos are courtesy of Lee...
Today:
Osprey - 1
Bald Eagle - 1
Northern Harrier - 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 6
Cooper's Hawk - 4
Red-shouldered Hawk - 4
Red-tailed Hawk - 64
Rough-legged Hawk - 1
Merlin - 1
Total - 86
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2704 (1461)
Osprey - 93 (110)
Bald Eagle - 69 (57)
Northern Harrier - 192 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2724 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 48 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 39 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 454 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 2 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 111 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6895 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Eagle Time (DST):
03:17pm - BE (juvenile)
Photos are courtesy of Lee...
Oh my!!!
Northern Harrier (left), Bald Eagle (right)
...and from me...
Osprey (our 2nd latest ever!)
Other Birds:
American Tree Sparrow - 1 along the edge of the bluffs
Common Loon - 6 heading south
Hooded Merganser - 6 out on the lake
Red-breasted Merganser - a few thousand moving low over the lake, most of them heading west
Butterflies:
none
Mammals:
Eastern Cottontail - 1
Eastern Gray Squirrel - 1 little bugger that stole my Halloween candy that I dropped on the ground for literally 2 seconds!
Hawkwatchers:
Lee, Gunnar, Ron, Kris, Rosemary, Dave S, Peter, Betty, Bruce & Ann Falls, Sheridan, Berle, Dave & Mary Beth, Jean, Lynn, Arvo, Bruce F, Vickie and Diana, and a few others who stopped by. Thanks again everyone for a fun-filled day.
Weather Prediction:
Oct 31st - a mix of sun and clouds switching to mostly cloudy, SW 10km/h switching to S 15km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
Walter
Oct 29th - Beautiful Day!
Today was a beautiful day to be at the park, albeit very windy! Thought there might've been a few more birds than what we saw but perhaps the gusts were just a little too strong. Oh well, we'll try again tomorrow!
Photos today are courtesy of me...
Today:
Northern Harrier - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 3
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Peter, Berle, Arvo, Terry, Betty, and Lynn
Weather Prediction:
Oct 30th - a mix of sun and clouds switching to mainly sunny, NW 15km/h (theweathernetwork.com) Hopefully the Red-tails cometh!
See you there,
Walter
Photos today are courtesy of me...
Today:
Northern Harrier - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Total - 3
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Peter, Berle, Arvo, Terry, Betty, and Lynn
Weather Prediction:
Oct 30th - a mix of sun and clouds switching to mainly sunny, NW 15km/h (theweathernetwork.com) Hopefully the Red-tails cometh!
See you there,
Walter
Oct 28th - Best Viewing Ever!!!
First off, I just wanted to apologize to anyone who was using the 'social media' buttons on this blog. Seems as time moves on Blogger is falling further and further off the chart! I could not update the widget that I was using for the page so it's been deleted.
Today:
Well on a day that according to everything that we've ever learned about hawk watching should have been a 'wash out', our friend Arvo ventured out in the rain and got this amazing shot capturing some of the best raptor viewing that we've ever had. I mean look at that - a Bald Eagle sitting on the fence and a Golden on the ground hunting squirrels! Oh my goodness!!!
Weather Prediction:
Oct 29th - a mix of sun and clouds, SW 40km/h and gusting to 65km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
See you at the park,
Walter
Today:
Well on a day that according to everything that we've ever learned about hawk watching should have been a 'wash out', our friend Arvo ventured out in the rain and got this amazing shot capturing some of the best raptor viewing that we've ever had. I mean look at that - a Bald Eagle sitting on the fence and a Golden on the ground hunting squirrels! Oh my goodness!!!
Weather Prediction:
Oct 29th - a mix of sun and clouds, SW 40km/h and gusting to 65km/h (theweathernetwork.com)
See you at the park,
Walter
Oct 27th - 18 Birds!
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 1
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Northern Goshawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 11
Total - 17
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2704 (1461)
Osprey - 92 (110)
Bald Eagle - 68 (57)
Northern Harrier - 186 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2718 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 44 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 35 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 389 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 1 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 110 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6806 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds, Butterflies, and Mammals:
Nothing of note
Hawkwatchers:
Ron, Sheridan, Rosemary, Peter, Betty, Hugh, Allison, Mark (from the High Park Hawk Watch), and Lee. Thankyou everyone!
Weather Prediction:
Oct 28th - rain!!!
Walter
Turkey Vulture - 1
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Northern Goshawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 11
Total - 17
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2704 (1461)
Osprey - 92 (110)
Bald Eagle - 68 (57)
Northern Harrier - 186 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2718 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 44 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 5 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 35 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 389 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 1 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 110 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6806 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages - 2006 thru 2014.
Other Birds, Butterflies, and Mammals:
Nothing of note
Hawkwatchers:
Ron, Sheridan, Rosemary, Peter, Betty, Hugh, Allison, Mark (from the High Park Hawk Watch), and Lee. Thankyou everyone!
Weather Prediction:
Oct 28th - rain!!!
Walter
Oct 25th - 4 Golden Eagles and 2 Bald Eagles!
Just a spectacular day of hawk watching with good wind, a great mix of sun and cloud, and a group of wonderful friends to enjoy the day with! The flight path today was extremely scattered with birds flying everywhere from far north over Kingston Road to way out over the lake and also at every height in the sky imaginable. Early in the day we had 4 Golden Eagles fly over within the span of 10 minutes and that really whipped the crowd into a frenzy! Screams of excitement were heard throughout the park!
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 33
Bald Eagle - 2
Northern Harrier - 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 47
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Red-shouldered Hawk - 14
Red-tailed Hawk - 114
Golden Eagle - 4
American Kestrel - 1
Merlin - 1
Total - 222
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2703 (1461)
Osprey - 92 (110)
Bald Eagle - 68 (57)
Northern Harrier - 185 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2716 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 42 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 4 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 35 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 378 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 1 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 110 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6788 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages.
Calculating the Averages - Seasons 2004 and 2005 were not 'full' seasons so they were not included in the equations. Before averaging out seasons 2006 to 2014 the two lowest counts and the two highest counts were removed. This method of calculating averages helps to reduce the effects of outliers (the extreme low and high counts) on the 'calculated' average. (One area throughout the world where this type of averaging is used most often is in sports scoring and judging)
Eagle Time (DST):
10:40am - GE
10:46am - GE x2
10:50am - GE
11:32am - BE
02:00pm - BE
Might be a new record, 7 people contributed photos today! Thankyou!
Other Birds:
Chimney Swift - 1 flying over the center of the park!
Common Loon - 9 flying south high over the park
Crossbill sp. - 1 small flock heard and seen flying east overhead
Eastern Towhee - male and female feeding and moving around the west side of the park
Great Black-backed Gull - 1 juvenile bird flying west over the shoreline
Long-tailed Duck - at least one small flock out on the water
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 4
Monarch - 2
Mammals:
Eastern Cottontail - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Phil, Bruce M, Ron, Mike, Lee, Charlie, Betty, Peter, Allison, Carol, Dave, Norm, Ann, Berle, Pat & Nancy, Hugh, Paul, Manfred, Eleanor, Mike & Leslie, Trudy, John, Susan, Bruce F, Arvo, Gunnar, and many others. Thankyou everyone for all your help today!
Weather Prediction:
Oct 26th - mainly sunny switching to a mix of sun and clouds, E 10km/h switching to SE 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com) I wouldn't rush to the park!
Walter
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 33
Bald Eagle - 2
Northern Harrier - 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 47
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Red-shouldered Hawk - 14
Red-tailed Hawk - 114
Golden Eagle - 4
American Kestrel - 1
Merlin - 1
Total - 222
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 2703 (1461)
Osprey - 92 (110)
Bald Eagle - 68 (57)
Northern Harrier - 185 (244)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2716 (2191)
Cooper's Hawk - 42 (95)
Northern Goshawk - 4 (18)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 35 (25)
Broad-winged Hawk - 89 (216)
Red-tailed Hawk - 378 (757)
Rough-legged Hawk - 1 (10)
Golden Eagle - 6 (10)
American Kestrel - 302 (561)
Merlin - 110 (72)
Peregrine Falcon - 57 (68)
Total - 6788 (5963)
The numbers in red are our seasonal averages.
Calculating the Averages - Seasons 2004 and 2005 were not 'full' seasons so they were not included in the equations. Before averaging out seasons 2006 to 2014 the two lowest counts and the two highest counts were removed. This method of calculating averages helps to reduce the effects of outliers (the extreme low and high counts) on the 'calculated' average. (One area throughout the world where this type of averaging is used most often is in sports scoring and judging)
Eagle Time (DST):
10:40am - GE
10:46am - GE x2
10:50am - GE
11:32am - BE
02:00pm - BE
Might be a new record, 7 people contributed photos today! Thankyou!
Golden Eagle (Ann)
another great angle of this beauty (Mike)
Red-shouldered Hawk (Charlie)
a great angle showing the 'windows' (Arvo)
yet another passing Red-shouldered Hawk! (Lee)
an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk (Ann)
a young Cooper's Hawk (Mike)
a young Sharp-shinned Hawk (Lee)
Red-tailed Hawk (Paul)
a high-flying Red-tail (Ann)
another low-flying Red-tail (Mike)
this young Red-tail is very heavily marked (Lee)
Other Birds:
Chimney Swift - 1 flying over the center of the park!
Common Loon - 9 flying south high over the park
Crossbill sp. - 1 small flock heard and seen flying east overhead
Eastern Towhee - male and female feeding and moving around the west side of the park
Great Black-backed Gull - 1 juvenile bird flying west over the shoreline
Long-tailed Duck - at least one small flock out on the water
a Common Loon heading south (Mike)
Butterflies:
Cabbage White - 4
Monarch - 2
Mammals:
Eastern Cottontail - 1
Hawkwatchers:
Phil, Bruce M, Ron, Mike, Lee, Charlie, Betty, Peter, Allison, Carol, Dave, Norm, Ann, Berle, Pat & Nancy, Hugh, Paul, Manfred, Eleanor, Mike & Leslie, Trudy, John, Susan, Bruce F, Arvo, Gunnar, and many others. Thankyou everyone for all your help today!
just a fraction of the group today! (Pat)
Weather Prediction:
Oct 26th - mainly sunny switching to a mix of sun and clouds, E 10km/h switching to SE 10km/h (theweathernetwork.com) I wouldn't rush to the park!
Walter
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