Raptor Migration Has Begun

[BIGFRANK]

Over at Rosetta McClain Gardens, raptor migration has begun.  While Walter and I begin counting August 1, things are generally slow until late Aug and early September. Aug 28th we  had a terrific day. Conditions were right for a good early movement of raptors. We saw 120 by days end. Follow along at http://raptorwatch.blogspot.ca

[BIGFRANK]

Raptors have been moving through. While its still slow,unless winds are from the north, we have had many good birds. Most unfortunately have been very high. On the plus side they have been almost over top of us. We have now seen over 300 raptors for the season. I write an update like this as I dont want folks to show up if they are coming from any distance, believing that the birds are very low.
  Often we are blessed with close up sightings, it does annoy me when I go to other sites that they rarely mention distances away that the birds are. Volumes of birds can be impressive, but personally I dont want travel to look at pepper spots.
  If the birds read the books,
East wind = birds are high at most sites.
West winds = birds are lower
North winds= more birds different levels
South winds= birds that dont read the books, usually more north of the lakeshore sites
Southwest winds=low birds that dont read the books
Northwest winds= lots of birds and more will be low

Come Peregrine time they like to fly on east winds. This time of year if its an east wind...go to Van Wagners Beach in Burlington/Hamilton and look for Jaegers and odd gulls! Its more worth your while...with a scope!

[BIGFRANK]

After Fridays rain, with NW winds all day, Saturday looks to have alot of potential for a "Mega-day". Its a day worth taking a chance on if you want to see or photograph birds of prey. Being after a storm, with 15kmh NW winds predicted for Toronto and area, this could be a very big day under any circumstance. Add to that several poor for migration weather days recently and it is peak Broadwinged Hawk time, as well as tons of Sharpshinned Hawks and totals could be high. High Park, Cranberry Marsh,(Iroquois Shoreline if winds arent NW) Hawk Cliff, Holiday Beach and my Rosetta McClain Raptor Watch are all great places to enjoy the spectacle that is fall migration.

[BIGFRANK]

Take my prognostication for what you will, Friday through Sunday there should be a good movement of Turkey Vultures and other raptors. Right now Sunday looks the best. Good luck if you join in your favorite raptor watch.

[BIGFRANK]

Keep watching the weather, as soon as this storm clears(maybe Friday Nov 2) we should have a few big days of raptor movement, especially if the winds are right. There are still plenty of Redtailed Hawks to go, should be some Red-shouldereds, Roughlegs have barely been seen anywhere and  of course Bald and Golden Eagles.

[BIGFRANK]

Friday could be iffy depending on when predicted rains may be. I'll be there early though as will others Im sure. Sat and Sunday also look excellent right now. I hope U will get out to your favorite spot to view migrating birds of prey, as this is likely to be  one of the last chances to see things over a weekend ...almost guarenteed.

[BIGFRANK]

Its pretty much over. I see one day in the coming week that has a chance to be the last push of Redtailed Hawks with a smattering of other birds mixed in. If no Redtails fly then its over, not officially till months end, but the hawks will be few and far between.
  Its been an incredible year for us at Rosetta McClain Gardens with record numbers of several species, our highest day count ever in October when we saw over 2200 raptors and a season count topping all others with over 7200.
  Thanks to everyone who joined us and enjoyed the spectacle that is fall raptor migration.
  Now its on to winter finches, Owls and overwintering ducks. I look forward to bumping into you in our travels.