September 29 [Day 36] The temperature reached 10C from a low of -2C and fell to 4C at 1900. Winds were W all day gusting 30-50 km/h in the morning and 60-70 km/h in the afternoon, and cloud cover was 10-30% altostratus in the morning increasing and thickening to 60-100% altostratus, cumulus and cirrus in the afternoon. Despite the fact that 11 raptor species were seen, the flight was dominated by Golden Eagles which provided 101 of the total of 130 migrants: the highest count of the species so far this season. The Golden Eagle flight comprised 57 adults, 18 subadults, 23 juveniles and 3 birds of unknown age. Ospreys (2), Northern Harrier (1), Cooper’s Hawk (4) and American Kestrel (1) all increased their seasonal record totals. Movement began with the first Golden Eagle at 0943 and continued steadily all day until the last Golden Eagle glided high to the S at 1924, the latest migrant raptor yet seen this season. Passerine movement was essentially non-existent. 12.45 hours (449.46) OSPR 2 (45), BAEA 1 (32), NOHA 1 (85), SSHA 14 (830), COHA 4 (275), NOGO 2 (87), RTHA 1 (158), GOEA 101 (508), AMKE 1 (64), MERL 2 (20), PRFA 1 (10) TOTAL 130 (2271)
Mount Lorette [Day 9] (Cliff Hansen) The temperature rapidly rose from 3C at 0800 to 13C at 0900 where it remained until 1500 before reaching the day’s high of 14C at 1600. Ground winds were SW to 20 km/h but ridge winds were strong SW-SSW all day, and cloud cover was 5-50% cumulus, cirrus and altostratus giving generally favourable observation conditions. The only migratory raptor species seen was Golden Eagle with 39 birds moving between 0839 and 1714, with maximum hourly movement of 9 birds between 1500 and 1600. Passerine movement at Lorette was also essentially non-existent. 12 hours (122.17) GOEA 39 (279) TOTAL 39 (351)