Holiday Beach Hawk Watch Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 11, 2023 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 1208 7820 10820 Osprey 0 2 43 Bald Eagle 0 20 144 Northern Harrier 16 108 480 Sharp-shinned Hawk 54 875 6078 Cooper's Hawk 2 47 138 American Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 0 27 56612 Red-tailed Hawk 4 45 220 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 6 941 2136 Merlin 1 14 109 Peregrine Falcon 1 21 59 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 1292 9920 76839 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Peter Veighey Observers: Aldo Bertucci, John Winebrenner, Karen Padbury, Lisa Silvey, Liz Kent, Paul Gosselin Visitors: Big thanks to Peter and Aldo for taking the reins at midday, ably assisted by John, Lisa, Karen, Neil and Paul G. It was good to see Sue, Lynn and Cathy who also helped observing, with Lynn counting the Blue Jays. We also had a visit from Jess and Emily from ERCA with a school Group learning all about the Ecology of the Marsh. Weather: The day started overcast but cleared slightly in late afternoon, with the temperature gradually rising from mid teens to the low twenties by the end of the day. The wind was light generally from the west. Visibility was good. Raptor Observations: A slow start that gradually gathered in pace, for the Turkey Vultures (1208) that is. Some good kettles and streams were seen to the north. Sharp-shinned Hawks (54) were next with the majority appearing from midday onwards. Northern Harriers (16) passed by in greater numbers than American Kestrels (6). Kestrels seem to fly less in light winds. The remainder four species including a Merlin and a Peregrine were below ten each. Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (10,272) increased today with a slow start. More sparrows (5 species) are appearing with a first of the season Dark-eyed Junco near the platform at the base of the Tower. Ducks and waterbirds were again spread all over the marsh, making them a challenge to find. A large flock of Tree Swallows (344) were again feeding low over the marsh. Warblers ( 6 species) again entertained in the shrubbery around the Tower, with a similar mix as yesterday including the bright (for Fall) Northern Parula. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S151978923 Predictions: Tomorrow is forecast to be overcast with a slight possibility of showers. The temperature is to be in the mid teens. The good news is that the wind will be from the north east albeit light. Hopefully we will see more of everything of the usual mix, including more Buteos. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (Hughnkent@gmail.com) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/ More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=100