Monday 29 March 2021

[cobirds] Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists (29 Mar 2021) 11 Raptors

Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists
Colorado, USA

Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 29, 2021
SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason Total
Black Vulture000
Turkey Vulture022
Osprey000
Bald Eagle01212
Northern Harrier000
Sharp-shinned Hawk01414
Cooper's Hawk11010
Northern Goshawk044
Red-shouldered Hawk000
Broad-winged Hawk000
Red-tailed Hawk8181181
Rough-legged Hawk011
Swainson's Hawk000
Ferruginous Hawk066
Golden Eagle166
American Kestrel022
Merlin044
Peregrine Falcon044
Prairie Falcon011
Mississippi Kite000
Unknown Accipiter011
Unknown Buteo188
Unknown Falcon022
Unknown Eagle000
Unknown Raptor033
Total:11261261


Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official CounterMike Fernandez
Observers:



Visitors:
I had 55 visitors to the platform today, with three conversations about hawkwatch.

Weather:
The skies were cloudless and the weather was warm. The early haze at the horizon was gone by 10:30 MST, when a west wind suddenly picked up to 5-6 BFT gusts.

Raptor Observations:
Migrating Raptors: 
The high winds may have grounded the smaller raptors (plus the local perching birds). The COHA powered through the Hwy 93 valley at amazing speed and strength. 

Non Migrating Raptors: 
RTHA-3
Although I was alone on the watch, from 12-2 MST the three local RTHAs kept me company with their very talented entertainment. They criss-crossed the ridge, doing roller coasters. And they faced into the wind, holding still and then elevatoring straight up with subtle flicks of the fingers and tail. They also flew above C-470, flying faster than the cars.

Non-raptor Observations:
A herd of ~20 Elk, BBMA-1, CORA-13 (group of 12 kettled north of the platform and headed farther north indirectly), TOSO-1, MOCH-3.

Predictions:
I could smell Greeley today, so you know what that means.


Report submitted by DAVID HILL ()
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: http://www.dfobirds.org
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]




Site Description
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawkwatch in Colorado and is the
best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Dinosaur Ridge may
be the best place in the country to see the rare dark morph of the Broad-winged
Hawk (a few are seen each spring). Hawkwatchers who linger long enough may see
resident Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and Prairie Falcons, in addition to
migrating Swainson's, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels and
Turkey Vultures. Peregrine Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks are uncommon; Northern
Goshawk is rare but regular. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, and sometimes
Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, American White
Pelican or Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are always welcome.
HawkWatch at Dinosaur Ridge is generally staffed by volunteers from about 9 AM
to around 3 PM from March 1st to May 7th.

Directions to site:
From exit 259 on I-70 towards Morrison, drive south under freeway and take left
into first parking lot, the Stegosaurus lot. Follow small signs from the
southwest end of lot to the hawkwatch site. The hike starts heading east on an
old two-track and quickly turns south onto a trail on the west side of the
ridge. When the trail nears the top of the ridge, turn left, head through the
gate, and walk to the clearly-visible, flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)

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