3 Raptors ...YTD 32

     Today we expected more given the conditions, but enjoyed a beautiful cool day with sunshine and puffy white clouds. Walter and I welcomed Colin and Margarite again, Mike 2,Cori and Peter. We saw 2 Redtailed Hawks and 1 Osprey which Colin and I picked up almost at the same time. Although high up, it flew directly over us.
     We observed the first migrating Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles today. Hundreds of Cedar Waxwings were seen again and many Chimney Swifts seemed to be moving along to the east rather then following the lake west.
    From the butterfly world, we saw the above White Admiral. It seemed odd to me that it was in the Mountain Ash tree. We also saw what was a first for me, 2 Common Buckeyes.
    Watch Monday, right now the forecast is for NW winds of 15km. We should see a few more birds.

12 Raptors Today...Year to date 29

We made double digits!! Today Walter, Colin, Ron and I spotted 12 raptors migrating plus several local ones. We had some great interaction between a Kestrel and a Merlin. Park boss Don's wife, Holly spotted us an Osprey, the only one of the day. By days end(1pm) we had:
1-Osprey
1-Redtailed Hawk
7-American Kestrels
3-Merlins
12-Total Raptors
  We had hoped for a few more, but were happy to see as much as we did on a beautiful day. Several Great Crested Flycatchers were seen as well as several Red-eyed Vireos were seen. Many migrating Cedar Waxwings, Chimney Swifts and Eastern Kingbirds were spied too. We saw a couple of Great Blue Herons and a Black-crowned Night Heron.
  We expect that early tomorrow we may see a few birds that got part way here today, otherwise without a change in wind speed, not alot will come through. Keep an eye on the weather.
There doesnt seem to be any outstanding days coming in the next several, so unless you just want to enjoy a good day out, I'd wait till later in the season.

Aug1-15th Summary
TV - 3
OS - 3
NH - 3
BW - 1
RT - 2
AK - 2
ML - 3

TL - 17
  With today's 12, our running total is 29 raptors. We are hoping to crack 100 for August. Things start off slowly, but we enjoy our days at the park. We also use these hours to hone our spotting and ID skills. We check out almost every gull we can. It helps later to almost immediately dismiss them as worthy of a 2nd look, recognized as not a raptor.

NOTE: Waterspouts may form over eastern Lake Ontario on Sunday. A waterspout is a "tornado over water".  I have seen one once from Rosetta over Lake Ontario. Just something else abit different we may see!

Aug 1-15 Raptor Video

Every 2 weeks I will try to put together any video clips I get..such as they are.  Here is the first one of the season.
http://youtu.be/1V2fyd_qdt0

100%

4 Raptors, A Lifer For Leon and Beautiful Sunrise

     Today, Walter ,Peter, Phil, Terry, Theresa,  Gunner, Ron and Leon all were down to the watch. Seen today were an Osprey, an American Kestrel and a Redtailed Hawk. The bird of the day was an adult male Northern Harrier, spotted by Phil.

      The sunrise at Rosetta was beautiful this morning I caught the sun cutting through the morning haze?

     Walter, Peter, Ron and Leon all saw a Sachem Skipper today. Walter was glad to show it to all of the others, but most of all to Leon.  Walter felt great as Leon has shared so many chats and taught many of us a thing or 2 not only about birds and butterflies but life. He is now 87 he told me today. He is a gentle, good, soul. Leon has always taken interest in my health and does his best to convince me to drop pounds. Today's Sachem Skipper was a first for Leon in his long life, so Walter was thrilled to be able to help Leon even at 87 have a first! Congratulations Leon!
     While it was slow for raptors, Walter,Phil and I found Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Finch and Caspian Tern in and around the park.

3 Raptors Aug 13 and Very Rare Skipper

     Today Walter,Phil and I were able to spot a few raptors. Early in the morning Walter saw an Osprey go by. In the early afternoon we heard the local Redtailed Hawk scream an alarm call, so we began scanning for another raptor in the sky. Soon we spotted a Northern Harrier and an American Kestrel.
     A rather ragged looking Redtailed Hawk(local) and 2 Turkey Vultures(migrants) also went past.
     Keep an eye on Saturday and Sunday, as possible good early movement days. A good day this time of year would  be 25+ birds, I dont want to set expectations too high.
 
      The elite of butterflying(?) have been around Rosetta lately. The sighting of a Spice-bush Swallowtail and a rare for Toronto area Skipper have been spotted recently causing a buzz in the entomology world.(Im sorry I had to!)

      Special Edit: Walter posted to the comment section, but I believe this is worthy of being seen in the body of the report. The rare Skipper is called a Sachem Skipper.
 Here is Walters comment:
          "rare for Toronto" is right! In over 140 years of record keeping there's been only 1 report of a 'Sachem' in the GTA study area, a 50 km circle which is centered on the ROM downtown. A few other sightings in the GTA and elsewhere in the province over the past few days clearly show that this little butterfly has advanced northward like never before. This is due to all the hot weather we've experienced in North America this year. If only the birds reacted the same."

Brilliant find..sharp eye Walter. I can say I saw this butterfly, only because Walter picked it out as something different and got a clear photo of it, with later 100% positive ID. Awesome find Walter!!

First Osprey!

Walter, Mike 2 and I were able to spot the watches first Osprey of the season. While again things were predictably slow we did see another migrating Merlin and a heavily molting Turkey Vulture.  On the way down to the park I observed a local Coopers Hawk sending pigeons into a frenzy and also a Merlin which nested in the neighborhood. The migrating one that was counted was molting a great deal, so I am sure it isnt one of the local birds. Allison,Colin and Marguarite and Peter all joined in today. Everyone awaits the beginning of September for larger numbers of raptors.
     There was a huge number of butterflies. Monarch Butterflies have begun their southbound migration. We saw a number of them moving to the west along the edge of the bluffs today. A good number of Painted Ladies were seen around the gardens. Cedar Waxwings continue to migrate, as did both Swallows and Chimney Swifts.
     Watch for northwest winds for the best chance at sighting more raptors!

Take The Pledge To Fledge!! P2F 2012

Aug 24 to 26th is the first ever Pledge To Fledge weekend. I thought the Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch gang would like to take part. It seems to me we do every day of every season anyway.

Here is the pledge :
"I pledge to actively share my enthusiasm for birds with non-birders by taking them into the field to show them birds and foster their own appreciation for birds whenever possible. I will strive to be friendly, patient, helpful, and welcoming when approached by ‘non-birders’ or asked about birds by acquaintances. I believe that individual birders, as part of an international grassroots movement, can effect positive and profound change for our shared birds and their future."

Complete information can be found here: http://www.globalbirdinginitiative.org/pledge-2-fledge/the-pledge/

Think of the people we got involved over the years and what they've gone on to do and see!

First Northern Harrier

Another slow hot day, spent mostly looking for butterflies and enjoying the company of friends. Walter and I chatted with Carol and Ann today. Butterfly expert Barry also came by and Walter and I had a long interesting talk with him.
   We had  one Northern Harrier go past today and another Merlin. The local Redtail was around the park all day. Charlene had an interesting experience yesterday evening. She was cutting the lawn when a snake fell from the sky. Naturally she was surprised! Soon the young Redtail came down and grabbed the prize he had dropped. He ripped the head off and ate. She said the last 3 inches went down like a sucked piece of spaghetti. No photos of that sorry.
    Predictably things have been slow. The closer we get to the end of the month the more potential there is to see greater numbers.
  Aug 12 and 13 the Persaids meteor shower will be viewable in the early morning. I think that means 4amish. I think thats a check from my balcony viewing rather than trying to get a gang down to Rosetta at that time of day. 

One Merlin and a Local Visitor

Shortly after I arrived today, I was seated on a bench near "the rock" chatting with park staffer Ron, when I looked to my left and had a great surprise. A local juvenile Redtailed Hawk had just landed and was scouring the park for his breakfast. I snapped several photos and took a quick video, before he took flight beyond the hedges sending a Red Squirrel scrambling for its life. Walter and I did see one countable bird again, this time a Merlin. We saw a local adult Redtailed Hawk and an American Kestrel which was going east rather than migrating. The rest of the day, Walter and I spent chasing butterflies(well searching for them at least). We saw Question Marks, Red Admirals, a lone Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, a lone Giant Swallowtail, Silver-spotted Skipper, many Monarch Butterflies, a few Fiery Skippers and one skipper I await Walter to tell me the name of again. Thanks to Walter for a slow but interesting morning. Rarely a dull moment at Rosetta McClain Gardens.

Very Early Broadwinged Hawk

After a nice cool night, Walter and I wanted to get down to the park to at least enjoy the nice weather. Allison and Berle had the same idea. We did see 4 Turkey Vultures kettle, but they are a local family unit. We also saw a local Redtailed Hawk hunting the park in the afternoon.

Redtailed Hawk(courtesy BIGFRANK) Our best bird by far was a very early Broadwinged Hawk. It gave terrific views and showed its bowed wings when it glided. We are 100% sure thats what it was., so its a counter! On arrival at about 7am there was a large movement of swallows. Many were Barn Swallows with some Northern Rough-winged as well. Today was just a teaser for whats to come! Ive just checked the weather for the coming week and Saturday looks like the most interesting day. Thursday also looks interesting,but the humidex is high. Please remember migration of raptors is just starting up,things really kick into gear in September. Dont expect hoards of birds in August.

And So It Begins Timbits and a Redtail

A few very keen raptor watchers officially kicked off the 2012 Rosetta McClain Raptor Watch for 2012. A ceremonial cutting of the feather(boa) began the day, followed by the annual eating of the first Timbit. Betty, Teresa,Terry and Phil were present.

A lone Redtailed Hawk went through to the west and didnt return,becoming the first raptor of many to be counted this season. There has to be one before there can be more,so onward and upward for this seasons count. 7000 this year gang??

Thanks to Terry for sending through the photos and report!

Its Almost Raptor Time!!! Plan To Join Us

Rosetta McClain Raptor Watch is soon to begin! Please read the information provided,then plan to join us,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,folding chairs 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 7000 raptors have been seen,with our best day last year being 1305. 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.