Let me start by thanking all those who came to observe and help count raptors this fall at the 2006 Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch. In addition to a fall with more normal weather patterns contributing to a record count,all of the extra eyes certainly added to the number of sightings as well. Thanks to all my raptor/birdwatching friends who came,for their comraderie and support. Many thanks to the many new folks as well. It was a pleasure to share the birds with U all. Id hoped this fall to attract some new people and show them alot and teach them at least a little about the amazing raptors we have the priviledge of observing in southern Ontario. I was very pleased with the turnout. Im also very glad that Scarborough or eastend birders have a local spot to enjoy the spectacle that is the fall migration. Amazing views at eyelevel of all species were greatly enjoyed. Several species co-operatively perched in the park,including Broadwinged Hawk,Merlin,American Kestrel,Sharpshinned Hawk,Coopers Hawk,Redtailed Hawk and Northern Goshawk.
Record numbers of all 15 species were recorded this fall. The greatest factor in this was undoubtedly the weather,but again as above,the great amount of help from all who joined in watching is also responsible for the increased number of sightings. On Oct 25 and 26th,13 of 15 species were counted and on Sept 29th and Oct.24th 12 species were seen. On 19 days more then 100 raptors were counted. Among them was the new one day record of 559(almost one per minute for 10 hours),3 days over 400,3 days over 300 and 8 days over 200.(note if over 300 counted,that is included in over 100,200 and 300 and so on as applicable) The highest hourly total this year was 125,or just over 2 raptors per minute,for that hour. In all there were 82 days of observation,as I count from August till the end November,for 510hours(best estimate without checking records),for an average of just over 11 birds an hour. This is undoubtedly significantly more hours,then some sites,but as this is only year 3 of counting at Rosetta McClain Gardens,and the 2nd year of extensive coverage,I am still learning which times are active and need coverage.
SEASON DAILY HIGHS OF NOTE:
10 Merlins on Sept.9
10 Peregrine Falcosn on Sept 24
12 Ospreys on Sept. 9
142 American Kestrels on Sept. 20
282 Sharpshinned Hawks on Sept.20
48 Northern Harriers on Sept. 20
204 Red-tailed Hawks on Oct 25
Monthly Totals
Specie..........................Aug..................Sept.................Oct.............Nov...........Total
Turkey Vulture.................7......................206................222................1.............436
Osprey........................14.......................69....................9................0..............92
Bald Eagle......................3.......................35....................7.................1.............46
Northern Harrier.............10.......................309................144................25...........488
Sharpshinned Hawk..........11....................1656.................859................35.........2561
Coopers Hawk.................7........................50..................63..................7..........127
Northern Goshawk............0..........................5..................13...................6..........24
Redshouldered Hawk.........0..........................0..................21....................8.........29
Broadwinged Hawk............8......................207...................10...................0.........225
Redtailed Hawk...............16.......................69.................488..................255........828
Roughlegged Hawk...........0.........................0....................3.....................8..........11
Golden Eagle..................0.........................1.....................6.....................4..........11
American Kestrel............34......................596....................40....................9.........679
Merlin..........................0........................40....................18....................2...........60
Peregrine Falcon.............2........................40....................15....................1...........58
Final Totals..................112..................3283....................1918.................362.......5675
Extra-special sightings included a Hudsonian Godwit on September 7th,ID'd by Jean Iron,and on Oct 25th an albino Redtailed Hawk,also seen October 29th at Holiday Beach Raptor Watch.
Thanks again to all who participated. A special thanks to the staff of Rosetta McClain Gardens for keeping me going with coffee,for not only hanging my flyer,but handing out flyers to interested community members and directing folks to "my post".
