Today was about what I expected,with winds that went southeast early in the day. We had some wonderfully low birds,including Turkey Vultures,one of 2 Merlins,both Osprey and a Redtail that landed in the park. The Redtail also put on a display of kiting into the wind. Todays total was 25,consisting of :
5-Turkey Vultures
2-Osprey
1-Northern Harrier
9-Sharpshinned Hawks
1-Redtailed Hawks
5-American Kestrels
2-Merlins
The weekend looks terrible,counts are unlikely. Both Monday and Tuesday currently look excellent for large movements of raptors and small birds too for that matter.
Osprey and Bald Eagles Day Count 32
Today winds in the early morning were decent,by noon things had died down. We saw 2 very close juvenile Bald Eagles,one I showed a jogger. He was quite excited,checking it out with my binoculars,declaring it was the first he had ever seen. We also had several close Osprey among 8 we saw today. The final total was 32 raptors:
8-Osprey
2-Bald Eagles
15-Sharpshinned Hawks
2-Coopers Hawks
4-American Kestrels
1-Merlin
We had a local Kestrel land on a tree briefly offering great views. Things wrapped up around 2pm. This coming Monday and Tuesday look like they could be big days. Tomorrow there is a decent chance there will be a good flight of Sharpies.
8-Osprey
2-Bald Eagles
15-Sharpshinned Hawks
2-Coopers Hawks
4-American Kestrels
1-Merlin
We had a local Kestrel land on a tree briefly offering great views. Things wrapped up around 2pm. This coming Monday and Tuesday look like they could be big days. Tomorrow there is a decent chance there will be a good flight of Sharpies.
Best Day Of Season So Far
Today's day long northwest winds,brought the best count thus far this fall. Many watchers,new and regulars enjoyed views of 136 birds. While some were painfully high,many were nice and low. Several of the Broadwinged Hawks circled at a low level allowing for great viewing and a chance to mention field marks differentiating them from Redtailed Hawks. We had a 2nd year Bald Eagle which started out over the lake and circled over us for about 10-15minutes,before eventually moving back more out over the lake and away. Many Sharpshinned Hawks provided close views,as did passing Kestrels. It was great to finally have a good day,after sitting through some less than stellar days.The final total of 136 raptors consisted of:
5-Osprey
2-Bald Eagles(2nd year and an adult)
4-Northern Harriers
94-Sharpshinned Hawks
4-Coopers Hawks
13-Broadwinged Hawks
14-American Kestrels
Despite what appeared to be a slow start to the season,todays total brings us to within 62 of last seasons total. Tomorrow's weather isnt optimal,but once Sharpshinned Hawks decide they are going winds dont seem to matter at Rosetta.(northwest is best,but not the only wind birds are seen on). Thanks to everyone who came out today for your help spotting and for your interest. I hope to see you all out again soon.
5-Osprey
2-Bald Eagles(2nd year and an adult)
4-Northern Harriers
94-Sharpshinned Hawks
4-Coopers Hawks
13-Broadwinged Hawks
14-American Kestrels
Despite what appeared to be a slow start to the season,todays total brings us to within 62 of last seasons total. Tomorrow's weather isnt optimal,but once Sharpshinned Hawks decide they are going winds dont seem to matter at Rosetta.(northwest is best,but not the only wind birds are seen on). Thanks to everyone who came out today for your help spotting and for your interest. I hope to see you all out again soon.
Slow Start
With unusually hot and humid weather the first week of September has been slow. Sharpshinned Hawks and Kestrels are moving the most,and with a good wind expected Sept 8,many more should be seen. If we can get clear of the ends of the hurricanes things should pick up. Interesting sightings included an American Kestrel alarm calling as it flew along the bluff being attacked repeatedly by a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Walter and I also saw the local Coopers Hawk have a prolonged fight with the local American Kestrel. (pictured are a Northern Harrier and an Osprey)
Current totals are:
10-Turkey Vulture
15-Osprey
2-Bald Eagle
7-Northern Harrier
59-Sharpshinned Hawk
9-Coopers Hawk
7-Broadwinged Hawk
15-Redtailed Hawk
34-American Kestrel
3-Merlin
4-Peregrine Falcon
165-Season Total
Also seen nicely were 2 Common Nighthawks,Wilson's Warbler,Great Egret and a local Redtailed Hawk fly by with food in its tallons. Walter saw a Fox in the park. Colin and Walter saw an Otter along the lakeshore.
Sept 2 A Few Raptors Despite The Heat
Despite high heat and humidity,a decent early September count of 23 raptors was observed. Sharpshinned Hawks were the bird of the day,with 15 being seen. They came in their usual spot,over the big Poplar tree along the side of the bluffs. The days only Osprey came right along the bluffs below eye level,offering a great view. With a humidex of 36c tomorrow,its unlikel I will attend. Todays total of 23 raptors consisted of
1-Osprey
15-Sharpshinned Hawks
1-Coopers Hawk
6-American Kestrels
Year to date 121.
1-Osprey
15-Sharpshinned Hawks
1-Coopers Hawk
6-American Kestrels
Year to date 121.
WELCOME ...READ...WATCH..ENJOY
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),including Osprey,Redtailed Hawks,Golden Eagles,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 U have them bring scopes,binoculars,cameras or bird books. The gardens are wheelchair accessible and have bathrooms and many benches.(note: no dogs,no picnics,no bicycle riding or no ball playing are allowed in the Gardens)
WHEN: From Sept1-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 high volumes of Sharp-shinned Hawks occurred on winds with a south element.
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. Last season nearly 6000 birds of prey were seen,including Bald Eagles,Golden Eagles,Osprey,Turkey Vultures,Northern Harriers,Rough-legged Hawks,Red-tailed Hawks,Broadwinged Hawks,Red-shouldered Hawks,Northern Goshawks,Coopers Hawks,Sharp-shinned Hawks,Peregrine Falcons,Merlin and American Kestrels. Our best count was over 750 raptors in one day.
Please check back often once fall migration season starts for daily reports.If U decide to join me,I will do my best to show U whatever comes our way and pass on information to you. Contact me at raptor.watch@hotmail.com
August 31 2008
The month of August is the start of fall migration. It starts slow,leading to September's much higher numbers.
This August was no different. It was infact slower then normal owing to better weather then normal. Warm,humid conditions are not condusive to movement of birds of prey,so Augusts total of only 78 raptors is quite low.
Turkey Vulture...............1
Osprey..........................12
Bald Eagle......................2
Northern Harrier.............5
Sharpshinned Hawk.......16
Coopers Hawk...............6
Broadwinged Hawk........7
Redtailed Hawk.............14
American Kestrel...........11
Merlin.............................2
Peregrine Falcon.............2
September 1 2008
Aside from a few Air Show planes,a few birds of prey moved along the bluffs today. 20 birds were seen,including
Turkey Vulture.........6
Sharpshinned Hawk..6
Coopers Hawk........1
Redtailed Hawk.......1
American Kestrel.....4
Peregrine Falcon......2
Day total...............20
Year to date..........98
Given conditions todays total was pretty good. I look forward to many better days ahead. Please note that I will not be present days when temperatures with humidex readings are ridiculously high! Very few birds would fly those days and I prefer not to bake! Hang in and watch for some North element winds.
Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch In The News
The Bluffs Monitor,a local paper with a circulation of about 25000,has done an article on me and the raptor watch. Peter Wood who writes The Birds of Bluffers Park column approached me towards the end of last month to ask if Id be interested in him doing an article. I was,not for any personal glory,but so people would hear about the great birds of prey we watch and enjoy so much. So awareness would be created and so more people could learn about hawks,eagles and falcons. Below is how Peter's article reads. I thank him for his interest and kind words.
Hawk Watch With Frank
Frank Butson has a passion,he has an expertise and perhaps most importantly,he is willing to share it. The passion is for raptors,that is,predatory birds such as hawks,eagles,vultures and Osprey.
During the fall migration,which begins in September and continues to the end of November,Frank can be found in Rosetta McClain Gardens looking out over the Bluffs searching the sky for migrating raptors. He identifies them,records the species and numbers,photographs them and posts the information on the internet.
Frank began hawk watching as a member of the High Park watch group. As an "east-ender",he was excited to discover that the Scarborough Bluffs was on a "fly way" or migration route for raptors. It began as personal enjoyment,but soon developed into an educational project. So,five years ago he set up shop at Rosetta McClain Gardens and began to invite people to join him-"all ages,all skill levels" he likes to say,thats what "keeps it fresh" for him. He is rewarded by the amazement and joy that he brings to park visitors. So far this year the watch has been highlighted by 70 Osprey,400 birds of prey in one day and 3 Peregrine Falcons flying together.
There is a serious side to this work as well. When I asked Frank why he does this he told me about Red-shouldered Hawks. These birds have been diminishing in numbers for many years. People may be unaware of this decline,but if they actually see one,they may come closer to understanding that as Frank says"It does Matter" As a volunteer for the Canadian Peregrine Foundation he is proud that Peregrines have recently been moved off the endangered species list.
....the article goes on to invite folks to join me and gives the blog address and location of the park. Already we have had visitors join us after reading the article and others comment positively after having read it.
Hawk Watch With Frank
Frank Butson has a passion,he has an expertise and perhaps most importantly,he is willing to share it. The passion is for raptors,that is,predatory birds such as hawks,eagles,vultures and Osprey.
During the fall migration,which begins in September and continues to the end of November,Frank can be found in Rosetta McClain Gardens looking out over the Bluffs searching the sky for migrating raptors. He identifies them,records the species and numbers,photographs them and posts the information on the internet.
Frank began hawk watching as a member of the High Park watch group. As an "east-ender",he was excited to discover that the Scarborough Bluffs was on a "fly way" or migration route for raptors. It began as personal enjoyment,but soon developed into an educational project. So,five years ago he set up shop at Rosetta McClain Gardens and began to invite people to join him-"all ages,all skill levels" he likes to say,thats what "keeps it fresh" for him. He is rewarded by the amazement and joy that he brings to park visitors. So far this year the watch has been highlighted by 70 Osprey,400 birds of prey in one day and 3 Peregrine Falcons flying together.
There is a serious side to this work as well. When I asked Frank why he does this he told me about Red-shouldered Hawks. These birds have been diminishing in numbers for many years. People may be unaware of this decline,but if they actually see one,they may come closer to understanding that as Frank says"It does Matter" As a volunteer for the Canadian Peregrine Foundation he is proud that Peregrines have recently been moved off the endangered species list.
....the article goes on to invite folks to join me and gives the blog address and location of the park. Already we have had visitors join us after reading the article and others comment positively after having read it.
Another very sucessful season of the Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch has come to a close. Thanks to everyone who came out this fall. As well as a record count,many enthusiastic new folks joined us this fall. It was a pleasure to meet you all and teach you what I could.Thanks to the many experienced birders,who joined us and offered their expertise and knowledge. Thanks to the staff of Rosetta McClain Gardens,who offered flyers and encouraged park goers to join us,for allowing me to store equipment and get much appreciated and needed hot coffee. Thanks to those who allowed the use of their photos on the blog. Each and every one of you added to the success of the watch in many ways. Incredible views of all 15 species of raptors were enjoyed over the course of the season. Our lakeside,bluff-top view is an incredible vantage point,offering unique sight-lines. This years count was the highest ever,5845 and a park record 755 raptors was enjoyed on September 15th.
Final totals for this season were:
Turkey Vulture......... 1061(previous best 436)
Osprey.........................94(previous best 92)
Bald Eagle....................33
Northern Harrier..........389
Sharp-shinned Hawk..2691(previous best 2561)
Coopers Hawk..............92
Northern Goshawk.........10
Red-shouldered Hawk....18
Broad-winged Hawk.....177
Red-tailed Hawk...........715
Rough-legged Hawk..........6
Golden Eagle...................12(previous best 11)
American Kestrel...........431
Merlin..............................44
Peregrine Falcon..............72(previous best 58)
2007 Season Total.......5845(previous best 5675 in 2006)
74 days were counted on,totalling 440 hours of observation. 12 days over 100 raptors were counted 9 of those days were over 200. As mentioned the 15th of September 755 raptors were counted which is the most every at Rosetta McClain Gardens in one day.
Species High Days
TV.......393 Oct 14
OS..........7 Sept 28
BE...........5 Sept 15
NH.........65 Sept 28
SS........569 Sept15
CH...........7 Oct 14
NG...........3 Sept 28 and Oct 16
RS............4 Oct 12 and 14
BW..........63 Sept 12
RT.........185 Oct 28
RL.............4 Nov 7
GE.............3 Oct 12 and 14
AK..........105 Sept 28
ML.............5 Oct 24
PG.............18 Oct 10
Over the fall,many new birds for the park were seen including,Pine Grosbeak,Pine Siskin,Evening Grosbeak,Common Redpoll,Purple Finch,Rusty Blackbird and Surf Scoters.Thanks again to everyone! 88 Days Till Spring Raptor Migration Starts At Beamer!
Final totals for this season were:
Turkey Vulture......... 1061(previous best 436)
Osprey.........................94(previous best 92)
Bald Eagle....................33
Northern Harrier..........389
Sharp-shinned Hawk..2691(previous best 2561)
Coopers Hawk..............92
Northern Goshawk.........10
Red-shouldered Hawk....18
Broad-winged Hawk.....177
Red-tailed Hawk...........715
Rough-legged Hawk..........6
Golden Eagle...................12(previous best 11)
American Kestrel...........431
Merlin..............................44
Peregrine Falcon..............72(previous best 58)
2007 Season Total.......5845(previous best 5675 in 2006)
74 days were counted on,totalling 440 hours of observation. 12 days over 100 raptors were counted 9 of those days were over 200. As mentioned the 15th of September 755 raptors were counted which is the most every at Rosetta McClain Gardens in one day.
Species High Days
TV.......393 Oct 14
OS..........7 Sept 28
BE...........5 Sept 15
NH.........65 Sept 28
SS........569 Sept15
CH...........7 Oct 14
NG...........3 Sept 28 and Oct 16
RS............4 Oct 12 and 14
BW..........63 Sept 12
RT.........185 Oct 28
RL.............4 Nov 7
GE.............3 Oct 12 and 14
AK..........105 Sept 28
ML.............5 Oct 24
PG.............18 Oct 10
Over the fall,many new birds for the park were seen including,Pine Grosbeak,Pine Siskin,Evening Grosbeak,Common Redpoll,Purple Finch,Rusty Blackbird and Surf Scoters.Thanks again to everyone! 88 Days Till Spring Raptor Migration Starts At Beamer!
ASHBRIDGES BAY RARITY:Yellow-breasted Chat
Since the raptor migration has all but officially come to a close,I went today to Ashbridges Bay Park,just near Woodbine and the Lakeshore. For the past week there has been a Yellow-breasted Chat out near the southwest tip. Directions posted online at a few birding sites were excellent and got me right in the general area. A helpful birder I met hadnt had good luck,but did point me in the right spot. I waited about 20min and decided to sit down on a nearby bench. Within 5minutes,Ross and 2 of his friends arrived. Ross disappeared around the corner where I had previously been standing,and soon called out.."Guys over here!" With that,we clamoured over,scopes,binoculars and my camera at the ready. What a beautiful little bird..sort of a warbler on steroids..its about 7.5 inches tip to tail. The yellow was wonderfully illuminated by the bright sunlight,giving us all fantastic views. It ate berries,moved around and preened unbothered by either us or the Pointer that ran roughshod all over the area. For 3 of us,the Chat was a life bird,so all gathered were very happy with the sighting. I was very pleased with my photos,especially with all the "shmutz" around the bird.
Soon I will post a final summary and note of the raptor watch season..stay tuned.
Northwest Winds Push Raptors And Our Total To A Record
Today,thanks to the day long healthy northwest winds and some hardy observers,168 raptors were seen. 2 Different Coopers Hawks landed in the park,one very co-operatively in the top of a bare tree. A Redtailed Hawk also landed in the park briefly today. The bulk of todays sightings were Redtailed Hawks,high,low,above and below. Todays total was made up as follows:
1-Bald Eagle(juvenile)
2-Northern Harriers
3-Sharpshinned Hawks
6-Coopers Hawks
3-Northern Goshawks
149-Redtailed Hawks
2-Redshouldered Hawks
2-Golden Eagles
One of the Redshoulders and one of the Goshawks gave terrific views,at very close range. This brings this years total well beyond last fall's 5675,currently totaling 5826. With a southwest wind tomorrow I will NOT be present. If U decide to go to Rosetta please email me what see,if anything. Special thanks to Ann,for my ride,lunch,photos and hot tea.
1-Bald Eagle(juvenile)
2-Northern Harriers
3-Sharpshinned Hawks
6-Coopers Hawks
3-Northern Goshawks
149-Redtailed Hawks
2-Redshouldered Hawks
2-Golden Eagles
One of the Redshoulders and one of the Goshawks gave terrific views,at very close range. This brings this years total well beyond last fall's 5675,currently totaling 5826. With a southwest wind tomorrow I will NOT be present. If U decide to go to Rosetta please email me what see,if anything. Special thanks to Ann,for my ride,lunch,photos and hot tea.
Nov15 24 Raptors...YTD..5658
It was a cold wind today,and several local Redtailed Hawks kept showing themselves just to confuse things. Those gathered saw :
1-Bald Eagle(juvenile distant)
1-Northern Harrier
4-Sharpshinned Hawks
1-Northern Goshawk(flew through low and fast)
16-Redtailed Hawks(high low near far)
1-Golden Eagle(juvenile)
Tomorrows conditions looked great the last time I looked..lets hope for a big day! or at least18raptors so I can achieve the highest count ever at Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch. Dress warm if U are coming!
1-Bald Eagle(juvenile distant)
1-Northern Harrier
4-Sharpshinned Hawks
1-Northern Goshawk(flew through low and fast)
16-Redtailed Hawks(high low near far)
1-Golden Eagle(juvenile)
Tomorrows conditions looked great the last time I looked..lets hope for a big day! or at least18raptors so I can achieve the highest count ever at Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch. Dress warm if U are coming!
Slow Day But Good Views
Despite early NE winds,the count was very low. Raptors definetly stayed north of the lakeshore in our area. Good but fast views of a Peregrine Falcon and Merlin were enjoyed. A few close Coopers Hawks and the star of the day,an immature Bald Eagle at 10:30am gave us hopes for a better day then we ended up with. Todays 15 raptors consisted of :
1-Bald Eagle
4-Sharpshinned Hawks
2-Coopers Hawks
4-Redtailed Hawks
2-American Kestrels
1-Merlin
1-Peregrine Falcon
Right now,Tuesday holds abit of promise. As the migration winds down,there are still some great birds to see.
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