As has become tradition,all the Rosetta Raptor Watchers are invited to gather and enjoy some time together. Lee has asked me to post this message.
Hi everyone! I thought I’d organize an end of the season brunch where we can talk in comfort and without the constant interruption of calling out birds! It will be on this coming Sunday, December 11 at 11 am at Tucker’s Marketplace in Scarborough. It’s located at 880 Warden Avenue, just north of Eglinton on the west side.
If you can come, please post on the blog under the “comment” section of this entry or send me an email. If you don’t have my email address just let Frank know and he will tell me, because I don’t want to put my email address on the blog.
I just need to know how many people are coming so I can make the reservation.
Lee
Special Update:Peregrine Falcon ID'd
Back in October,Ann got some really good photos of a passing Peregrine Falcon. So good,you could read its band numbers. It had a black over red 79 over H band with a purple US Fish and Wildlife band on it. As the falcon was of this years young,records werent published online yet. Recently I saw a post on a falcon forum with information about a Peregrine with band numbers close to the one in Ann's photos. I inquired with the posters who are with Ohio DNR(similar to our Ministry of Natural Resources). They informed us that the Peregrine in question was from east Cleveland Ohio,from a nest at the Lakeshore Powerplant and that the staff there had named her Centeniel.They have been informed and are very pleased to know she was alive and well. Ann graciously allowed me to post the photos on the Ohio board and in a report on the Canadian Peregrine Foundation website. See the report and a couple of photos http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/12/sightings/record-raptor-count-and-idd-peregrine/
From time to time this winter I will update the site,with great photos or interesting stories our watchers or readers submit. Please feel free to contribute observations or photos about hawks or owls or issues affecting either. It is an irruptive year for Snowy Owls so lets hope we can all get out and see some!
From time to time this winter I will update the site,with great photos or interesting stories our watchers or readers submit. Please feel free to contribute observations or photos about hawks or owls or issues affecting either. It is an irruptive year for Snowy Owls so lets hope we can all get out and see some!
Special Post - The Final Numbers
Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch 2011
16 new records and 1 tied record - the result of everyone's involvement. Thank you all once again. Enjoy!
Turkey Vulture:
1866 - Best Year ever!
1726 (October) - Best Month ever!
774 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
Osprey:
125 - 2nd best Year ever!
Bald Eagle:
67 - 2nd best Year ever!
Northern Harrier:
212 - 4th best Year ever!
Sharp-shinned Hawk:
1781 - 5th best Year ever!
Cooper's Hawk:
96 - 2nd best Year ever!
14 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
Northern Goshawk:
20 - 3rd best Year ever!
Red-shouldered Hawk:
29 - Tied best Year ever!
Broad-winged Hawk:
757 - Best Year ever!
731 (September) - Best Month ever!
605 (September 16th) - Best Day ever!
Red-tailed Hawk:
858 - Best Year ever!
327 (November 4th) - Best Day ever!
Rough-legged Hawk:
9 - Tied 3rd best Year ever!
Golden Eagle:
5 - Tied 3rd best Year ever!
American Kestrel:
624 - 3rd best Year ever!
233 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
Merlin:
130 - Best Year ever!
72 (October) - Best Month ever!
17 (October 17th) - Best Day ever!
Peregrine Falcon:
47 - 5th best Year ever!
All Birds:
6626 - Best Year ever!
3506 (October) - Best Month ever!
1305 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
I found these closing comments on Ontbirds.com in the November 30th report from Bob Pettit of the Holiday Beach Hawk Watch:
"Reports are that Red-tails are hanging out north of Toronto and
elsewhere just 'waiting'." and "I estimate 2,000-3,000 more Red-tails and 30 Golden Eagles (need the adults) could pass in December."
You might want to consider heading back down to the park if you have some time over the next couple of weeks on good northwest wind days...they might still be coming!
As this will be my last post I'd just like to say thanks again Frank for allowing me to conduct this year's Watch and also to run your blog site, it's been an absolute thrill for me from start to finish. I now hand the blog back over to you.
See you all again soon,
Walter
16 new records and 1 tied record - the result of everyone's involvement. Thank you all once again. Enjoy!
Turkey Vulture:
1866 - Best Year ever!
1726 (October) - Best Month ever!
774 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
Osprey:
125 - 2nd best Year ever!
Bald Eagle:
67 - 2nd best Year ever!
Northern Harrier:
212 - 4th best Year ever!
Sharp-shinned Hawk:
1781 - 5th best Year ever!
Cooper's Hawk:
96 - 2nd best Year ever!
14 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
Northern Goshawk:
20 - 3rd best Year ever!
Red-shouldered Hawk:
29 - Tied best Year ever!
Broad-winged Hawk:
757 - Best Year ever!
731 (September) - Best Month ever!
605 (September 16th) - Best Day ever!
Red-tailed Hawk:
858 - Best Year ever!
327 (November 4th) - Best Day ever!
Rough-legged Hawk:
9 - Tied 3rd best Year ever!
Golden Eagle:
5 - Tied 3rd best Year ever!
American Kestrel:
624 - 3rd best Year ever!
233 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
Merlin:
130 - Best Year ever!
72 (October) - Best Month ever!
17 (October 17th) - Best Day ever!
Peregrine Falcon:
47 - 5th best Year ever!
All Birds:
6626 - Best Year ever!
3506 (October) - Best Month ever!
1305 (October 1st) - Best Day ever!
I found these closing comments on Ontbirds.com in the November 30th report from Bob Pettit of the Holiday Beach Hawk Watch:
"Reports are that Red-tails are hanging out north of Toronto and
elsewhere just 'waiting'." and "I estimate 2,000-3,000 more Red-tails and 30 Golden Eagles (need the adults) could pass in December."
You might want to consider heading back down to the park if you have some time over the next couple of weeks on good northwest wind days...they might still be coming!
As this will be my last post I'd just like to say thanks again Frank for allowing me to conduct this year's Watch and also to run your blog site, it's been an absolute thrill for me from start to finish. I now hand the blog back over to you.
See you all again soon,
Walter
Special Post – They Came!
The Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch has now finished for another year. What a tremendous time it has been with lots of new people met and lots of new records set!
I would like to thank everyone for all of their efforts in making this the most successful RMG Raptor Watch ever. We had many days where spotting and identifying birds were really quite difficult but we did an excellent job all working together. The countless new people that we welcomed was impressive and most of them were quick to join in and start searching for birds right away. The endless camaraderie between old friends and new was extremely entertaining. Thanks to all those who were kind enough to bring food and drink to the Watch to share with others, it was very much appreciated by all. To those who brought cameras, scopes, and other viewing aids as well as those with exceptional eyesight, I can’t thank you enough as so many birds would have gone unseen or unidentified without your help. I'd also like to say a huge thank you to the park workers for their kind assistance and consideration which allows us to conduct the hawk watch at Rosetta McClain Gardens each year.
This year’s Watch was a little different in ways to the 3 previous years that I’ve attended. For example, it’s was much warmer temperature-wise throughout the fall and the lack of north winds was unusual. On numerous days the wind seemed to be from the south or southwest. To my surprise, it didn’t stop the birds from putting on some of the best aerial acrobatics we’ve ever witnessed. The local Red-tailed Hawks kept their presence known with several fly-bys almost daily. The close fly-bys along the bluffs of some of the other species like Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks was spectacular. For me the best thing that I observed this year was the kettling of so many raptors. From Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks over the park to the large columns of distant Broad-winged Hawks to the north, the views were impressive to say the least! My best moment came on October 1st when for about five minutes straight I did nothing but write down birds that everyone else were calling out. Definitely our busiest time, I barely had time to turn and look up at the passing birds. When it finally slowed down again I turned only to see a whole new set of faces looking back at me…..I think we had roughly 30 hawk watchers on hand that day.
I take away so many fantastic memories of our time together enjoying these majestic creatures. Again, thank you everyone for such a wonderful time this fall season!
Walter
I would like to thank everyone for all of their efforts in making this the most successful RMG Raptor Watch ever. We had many days where spotting and identifying birds were really quite difficult but we did an excellent job all working together. The countless new people that we welcomed was impressive and most of them were quick to join in and start searching for birds right away. The endless camaraderie between old friends and new was extremely entertaining. Thanks to all those who were kind enough to bring food and drink to the Watch to share with others, it was very much appreciated by all. To those who brought cameras, scopes, and other viewing aids as well as those with exceptional eyesight, I can’t thank you enough as so many birds would have gone unseen or unidentified without your help. I'd also like to say a huge thank you to the park workers for their kind assistance and consideration which allows us to conduct the hawk watch at Rosetta McClain Gardens each year.
This year’s Watch was a little different in ways to the 3 previous years that I’ve attended. For example, it’s was much warmer temperature-wise throughout the fall and the lack of north winds was unusual. On numerous days the wind seemed to be from the south or southwest. To my surprise, it didn’t stop the birds from putting on some of the best aerial acrobatics we’ve ever witnessed. The local Red-tailed Hawks kept their presence known with several fly-bys almost daily. The close fly-bys along the bluffs of some of the other species like Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks was spectacular. For me the best thing that I observed this year was the kettling of so many raptors. From Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks over the park to the large columns of distant Broad-winged Hawks to the north, the views were impressive to say the least! My best moment came on October 1st when for about five minutes straight I did nothing but write down birds that everyone else were calling out. Definitely our busiest time, I barely had time to turn and look up at the passing birds. When it finally slowed down again I turned only to see a whole new set of faces looking back at me…..I think we had roughly 30 hawk watchers on hand that day.
I take away so many fantastic memories of our time together enjoying these majestic creatures. Again, thank you everyone for such a wonderful time this fall season!
Walter
November 30th - Our Final Day!
I must apologize for not being able to attend our final day at the Watch. I'll bet the mid-day snow storm probably made viewing a little difficult. After the snow our last bird of the season was observed flying over the park, it was a Sharpie everybody!
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Total - 1
Final Count:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1781
Cooper's Hawk - 96
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 858
Rough-legged Hawk - 9
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6626
At the park today were: BIGFRANK, Pat, Nancy, Terry 2, Gunnar, and Cori.
Walter
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Total - 1
Final Count:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1781
Cooper's Hawk - 96
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 858
Rough-legged Hawk - 9
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6626
At the park today were: BIGFRANK, Pat, Nancy, Terry 2, Gunnar, and Cori.
Walter
November 28th - Another 5 More!
With only a couple of days left for the Watch it was great for everyone at the park to see a few more birds fly over.
Today:
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 3
Rough-legged Hawk - 1
Total - 5
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1780
Cooper's Hawk - 96
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 858
Rough-legged Hawk - 9
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6625
Rough-Legged Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
The best non-raptor of the day was a Great Blue Heron. On the lake were hundreds upon hundreds of Long-tailed Ducks and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Hawk watchers today included: BIGFRANK, Pat, Nancy, Berle, Theresa, Peter, Terry 2, and Phil.
Walter
Today:
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 3
Rough-legged Hawk - 1
Total - 5
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1780
Cooper's Hawk - 96
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 858
Rough-legged Hawk - 9
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6625
Rough-Legged Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
The best non-raptor of the day was a Great Blue Heron. On the lake were hundreds upon hundreds of Long-tailed Ducks and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Hawk watchers today included: BIGFRANK, Pat, Nancy, Berle, Theresa, Peter, Terry 2, and Phil.
Walter
November 25th - 2 Accipiters
A Cooper's Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk were all that was countable today. The local Red-tailed Hawk did a really nice slow flyby along the bluffs and the local Cooper's Hawk flew around to the north chasing the Pigeons as usual.
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Total - 2
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1780
Cooper's Hawk - 95
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 855
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6620
A small flock of ducks flew over the centre of the park today and my best guess would be that they were Scaup.
At the park today were: Pat, Nancy, Berle, Peter, Phil, Carol, and Allison.
Walter
Today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Total - 2
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1780
Cooper's Hawk - 95
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 855
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6620
A small flock of ducks flew over the centre of the park today and my best guess would be that they were Scaup.
At the park today were: Pat, Nancy, Berle, Peter, Phil, Carol, and Allison.
Walter
November 23rd - Year Total Pushed To 6600+
A nice steady flow of hawks was observed over the park today, albeit somewhat slow. In all 32 birds came our way in the bright blue sky providing excellent views of many of the more northern Red-tails. They can have much darker markings on the underside of their bodies and wings. With today's sightings we've now pushed the 'Year' total to over 6600 raptors!
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 10
Northern Goshawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 19
Peregrine Falcon - 1
Total - 32
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1779
Cooper's Hawk - 94
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 855
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6618
Red-tailed Hawk
Many insects flying about the Watch today including a very late small dragonfly.
Hawk watchers today included: Carol, Ron, Berle, Cori, Theresa, Pat, Nancy, Phil, Ann, and Terry 2. Thankyou all for your help in spotting the birds up in the blue.
Walter
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 10
Northern Goshawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 19
Peregrine Falcon - 1
Total - 32
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 212
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1779
Cooper's Hawk - 94
Northern Goshawk - 20
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 855
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 47
Total - 6618
Red-tailed Hawk
Many insects flying about the Watch today including a very late small dragonfly.
Hawk watchers today included: Carol, Ron, Berle, Cori, Theresa, Pat, Nancy, Phil, Ann, and Terry 2. Thankyou all for your help in spotting the birds up in the blue.
Walter
November 21st & 22nd - No Birds!
I was at the Watch today between 11:30AM - 1:00PM and saw nothing. Peter was there for about 45 minutes before I arrived and he had nothing to report either. Pat & Nancy joined me for about an hour before the cold damp air got to them. Ann arrived just in time to offer me a drive home - so kind of her. Tomorrow's weather prediction is for more NNE and ENE winds so we'll try again.
Walter
Walter
November 20th - 10 More Birds Today
A few close birds and a few distant birds today on north-west winds. Temps sure dropped as the afternoon sun set. Only 10 days to go folks!
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 1
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 5
Total - 10
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 211
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1769
Cooper's Hawk - 94
Northern Goshawk - 19
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 836
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 46
Total - 6586
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Nothing to report from the non-raptor world today.
More birders than birds today with: Mike 3, Pat, Nancy, Cori, Ann, Phil, Berle, Tim, Gunnar, Mike 2, and Paul on hand.
Walter
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 1
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 5
Total - 10
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1866
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 211
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1769
Cooper's Hawk - 94
Northern Goshawk - 19
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 836
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 46
Total - 6586
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Nothing to report from the non-raptor world today.
More birders than birds today with: Mike 3, Pat, Nancy, Cori, Ann, Phil, Berle, Tim, Gunnar, Mike 2, and Paul on hand.
Walter
November 18th - A Golden Day!
Big highlight of the day was the appearance of an adult Golden Eagle in the blue sky right in front of us. I don't recall ever seeing an adult before and if I did, it was never as good as this! Just gorgeous!!!
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Golden Eagle - 1 (adult 12:40)
Total - 7
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1865
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 210
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1767
Cooper's Hawk - 93
Northern Goshawk - 19
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 831
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 46
Total - 6576
Red-tailed Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Golden Eagle
Watchers today included: Mike 3, Ann, Berle, Pat, Nancy, Allison, Theresa, Gunnar, Cori, Phil, and Carol.
Walter
Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 2
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Golden Eagle - 1 (adult 12:40)
Total - 7
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1865
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 210
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1767
Cooper's Hawk - 93
Northern Goshawk - 19
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 831
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 5
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 46
Total - 6576
Red-tailed Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Golden Eagle
Watchers today included: Mike 3, Ann, Berle, Pat, Nancy, Allison, Theresa, Gunnar, Cori, Phil, and Carol.
Walter
November 17th - Another New Record!!!
Wind was good, sky was good, cloud cover was good, bird migration was not so good! Having said that we did however manage to break another old count record. 828 Red-tailed Hawks has been the record since 2006, with the 5 Red-tails counted today our new 'Year' record sits at 830!
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 5
Total - 9
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1865
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 209
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1765
Cooper's Hawk - 91
Northern Goshawk - 19
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 830
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 4
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 46
Total - 6569
Today's non-raptor highlight was a small flock of White-winged Crossbills that stopped off for a snack before continuing their journey westward.
Friends on hand today included: Ann, Theresa, Berle, Cori, Terry 2, and Ron.
Walter
Today:
Turkey Vulture - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 5
Total - 9
To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 1865
Osprey - 125
Bald Eagle - 67
Northern Harrier - 209
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1765
Cooper's Hawk - 91
Northern Goshawk - 19
Red-shouldered Hawk - 29
Broad-winged Hawk - 757
Red-tailed Hawk - 830
Rough-legged Hawk - 8
Golden Eagle - 4
American Kestrel - 624
Merlin - 130
Peregrine Falcon - 46
Total - 6569
Today's non-raptor highlight was a small flock of White-winged Crossbills that stopped off for a snack before continuing their journey westward.
Friends on hand today included: Ann, Theresa, Berle, Cori, Terry 2, and Ron.
Walter
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