Grimsby, ON - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 26, 2011 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 436 2514 2514 Osprey 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 3 30 30 Northern Harrier 0 15 15 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 49 49 Cooper's Hawk 1 38 38 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 391 391 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 19 831 831 Rough-legged Hawk 0 32 32 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 6 6 Merlin 0 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 2 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 21 21 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 1 1 Total: 459 3931 3931 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours Official Counter: Phil Waggett Observers: Barry Cherriere, Cody Law, Colin Horstead, David Weare, Derek Lyon, Jennifer Lyon, Tom Thomas Visitors: My thanks to the many observers who helped with the count--Cody Law, Colin Horstead, Jennifer and Derek Lyons, Tom Thomas, Dave Weare, Tim King, Barry Cherrier, Kevin McLaughlin, Elizabeth (from Brampton) and Mary (from Brantford). Much thermal activity was generated on the tower. Weather: Cold, clear day with light winds out of the north-northwest. Some clouds in the last two hours of the flight. Raptor Observations: The flights was completely dominated by turkey vultures, continuing the post-storm trend. Three bald eagles, all adults were observed; one of these came off the escarpment and gained great height before flying east. Local coops and red-tails were active. Non-raptor Observations: Little in the way of migration was noted. Many robins looking for clear ground to feed and a few killdeers flying around. One flock of cormorants was seen. The local red-bellied woodpecker was present Predictions: A continuation of the present trend with hopefully a resumed hawk flight. However, Ripley NY again had a day totally dominated by the TV flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Waggett () Beamer Conservation Area, Grimsby, ON information may be found at: http://www.niagarapeninsulahawkwatch.org/ Site Description: Hawk migration monitoring at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby, Ontario is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). All counting is done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on cold days, particularly in March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower's platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publicly accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to park vehicles (along the road) and set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display seven day's worth of observation data for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 71/72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. Parking is normally available inside the park. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. © 2011 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch