Holiday Beach Hawk Watch Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 20, 2023 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 34 2963 70151 Osprey 0 1 47 Bald Eagle 2 119 378 Northern Harrier 10 107 854 Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 234 9020 Cooper's Hawk 6 72 382 American Goshawk 0 4 8 Red-shouldered Hawk 15 393 767 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 56725 Red-tailed Hawk 89 1849 3428 Rough-legged Hawk 1 17 21 Golden Eagle 1 93 105 American Kestrel 0 7 2615 Merlin 2 14 141 Peregrine Falcon 1 12 100 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 1 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 1 1 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 1 Total: 181 5888 144745 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Hugh Kent Observers: Liz Kent, Noel Herdman Visitors: Big thanks to Noel and Mike for assisting in observing and recording on what was a cold day in the wind. Weather: The wind today seemed the main feature. From the north east it started moderate and became strong, gusty at times by midday. Temperature started at 2c and increased to about 6c but felt a lot colder with the wind chill. It remained overcast all day, but the visibility remained good. Raptor Observations: It seemed increasingly hard for most Raptors to fly in the strong and gusty wind, with two late Northern Harriers seeming to cope the best. Red-tailed Hawks (89) again led the pack, with a surprising resurgence of Sharp-shinned Hawks (18) and a continuing respectable number of Red-shouldered Hawks (15). Northern Harriers (10) were next, revelling in the wind. Cooper's Hawk (6), Bald Eagle (2) and Merlin (2) achieved more than single sightings. A Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk in the morning and a late Peregrine contributed quality to the list. Non-raptor Observations: Yet again Ducks made up the majority of numbers on the list. Significant numbers (over 7000) were seen attempting to shelter from the wind at the northern edge of the marsh. Tundra Swans (43) returned today, passing over the Marsh. American Crows (2780) continue to head west in numbers, possibly getting some distance in before the rain arrives. American Goldfinch (610) are also still passing in significant numbers. Other small birds seem to be hiding from the wind, but it was good to see a couple of Fox Sparrows jump foraging near the Tower. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S154873345 Predictions: Tomorrow's forecast is for wall to wall rain, so a count is unlikely. On Wednesday the wind is moderate from the north west, overcast and cold. So hopefully Wednesday will be similar to today, with maybe a few more moving after having had to stay put in the rain tomorrow. ======================================================================== 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