Nov 3 there were 36 raptors,and 3 hearty birders. Leon hung in all day,and Tim managed a few hours. The flow of raptors was steady if not spectacular,and ducks moving down on the lake,filled our extra time. In the 2pm-3pm hour a Merlin whizzed through,and a reasonably low light-morph Rough-legged Hawk flew by Leon and I as well. Almost all of the birds were low,rewarding our braving the cold.(by Feb Im sure we will be salavating for a day when the temp is 5c). Hopefully tomorrow(Sat),the cold weather north of the city will push birds down,despite less than optimal winds. Todays total included
Northern Harrier................9
Sharpshinned Hawk..........13
Coopers Hawk...................2
Redtailed Hawk.................10
Roughlegged Hawk.............1
Merlin................................1
YTD...............................5381
November 2,after several very slow,to stopped raptor movements,I saw 27 raptors. Terry and Leon joined me at various times,both with good luck. At 940am an adult Bald Eagle flew over the park,reasonably low,easily seen as an adult with the naked eye. With binos our views were great. At 12:40pm and 1:53pm juvenile Golden Eagles flew by. Both ended up very far out over the lake and views were very long as both eagles circled a long time.
Bald Eagle.....................1
Northern Harrier............5
SharpShinned Hawk.......6
Coopers Hawk...............2
Northern Goshawk..........1(20 for the season)
Redtailed Hawk...............7
Golden Eagle..................2
American Kestrel............2
Peregrine Falcon.............1
Things really slow down this time of year,though I remain ever hopeful of a few big days. Golden Eagles and more Roughlegged Hawks are movers late into the year,so I hope to continue to enjoy them. Note NO bathrooms are open on weekends any longer,and they close for the season on Nov7.
