October 29 [Day 64] (Valley View site) Temperatures ranged from -7C to 0C, ground winds were light variable until 1400 when they became mainly N-NNE gusting to 60 km/h and ridge winds were mainly WNW also becoming strong after 1400 resulting in spectacular displays of blowing snow. Cloud cover was 70% cumulus at 0800 but quickly thickened to 100% altostratus and cumulus for the rest of the day producing very gloomy conditions. Raptor movement was slow and sporadic between 0854 and 1529, with only a juvenile Bald Eagle seen subsequently at 1649 as the very high winds and blowing snow appeared to stop all movement. The flight was dominated by 22 Golden Eagles: 14adults, 1subadult, 5 juveniles and 32 birds of undetermined age. A single Common Redpoll was the 105th bird species for the season.11 hours (750.12) BAEA 5 (252), NOGO 1 (118), RLHA 1 (49), GOEA 22 (3547) TOTAL 29 (5897)
Mount Lorette [Day 37] (Joel Duncan) The temperature rose to 1C from a low of -4C, ground winds were SW gusting to 30 km/h after 1330 and SW ridge winds also became strong after 1300. 100% altostratus cloud also gave gloomy conditions until 1700 when a small break to the west allowed a welcome but brief burst of sunshine. The total of 24 migrant raptors recorded between 0948 and 1522 included 22 Golden Eagles (16a,2sa,4u), and as at P-SL movement slowed and then stopped when strong ridge winds developed. 10 hours (419.16) BAEA 1 (84), GOEA 22 (2159), UE 1 (1) TOTAL 24 (2392)