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--001a11c2e60aa2aceb04eb905644 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Todd Watts <fishbird@xplornet.ca> Date: Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 4:56 PM Subject: Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch Fall 2013 Report To: NATURENB@listserv.unb.ca Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch Fall 2013 Season five has come to an end. Counts for this year produced new highs as well as some lows. It was a very interesting year overall with a busy first half of the season followed by an unusual month of October. Much was learned as we transition from collection of base data to documenting trends. Public interest and participation continues to be high. The potential for learning continues to be great. Even with five years behind us, we are really just getting started. Migrating raptors were counted on 38 days between August 23 to November 4 with a total of 259.5 observation hours logged. The total number of migrating hawks counted for the season was 6841. This year's count total was our second highest on record and we counted more birds of prey in total than many sites well to our south and west (due to the large numbers of Broad-wings counted at our site). Single day high counts for 2 species were recorded. We also recorded season low counts for 5 species. Count Protocols As in previous seasons, this year's counts were conducted on days considered to have favourable winds and a general lack of significant precipitation. Hawks moving roughly east to west were considered migrants. Because of the presence of resident raptors, some species were watched more closely during certain portions of the season to ensure accuracy of our counts. Partial and full-year residents near the site include Bald Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk and Turkey Vulture. Eagles and vultures are typically the most difficult to monitor as the daily movements of these resident birds can be great. A Quick Look at the Season August Early season counts went quite well with good winds occurring during the last week of the month. This resulted in a higher than average number of hawks counted. Resident raptors were present, however, their numbers seemed to be low and there were lower than usual activity levels over and around the site. September The first two weeks of the month produced modest flights of the usual raptors. The first good flight of Broad-wings occurred on the 15th with 276 counted for the day. On the 17th, cloudless skies and a relatively strong North wind produced 1885 Broad-wings. Kettles containing over 100 birds were observed several times. Mid-afternoon flights were very high. A few flocks could not be seen even with eight-power optics. Some birds remained high through late afternoon. One group of high flying birds, consisting of roughly 100 individuals, was still observed at great heights just before 6:00PM. Smaller groups of birds moving at lower altitudes were observed during the next hour. Several volunteers were onsite for much of the day, helping to spot the approaching raptors. The following day brought another 816 hawks (mostly Broad-wings). Counts then backed off for a day and then another 1107 hawks were counted on September 20th. Nearly all of them were counted before Noon. Since the official counter was the only observer that day, many birds could have been missed. Smaller flights followed for about one week, until a flight of 690 hawks was documented on the 26th. The official counter was, once again, the only observer. Movements of Kestrels and Sharp-shins were fairly steady through the month, but without any impressive flights other than a movement of 37 Kestrels. This flight occurred largely within a two hour period late in the day. October This was a month to be remembered. Weather was somewhat unusual with a general lack of favourable winds occurring during the daylight hours. Raptor movements for several species were very light. Low counts were observed almost right from the start. Sharp-shinned Hawk counts were often single digit. Typically in other years, we would see several days with counts of fifty of more. This month, however, finished off with only 132 counted in total. Prior to this year, this species lowest count for the month of October was 281. Red-tailed Hawk counts didn't fare any better. All of their single-day counts were single digit, well below their 'normal'. Only 45 were counted for the month. Prior to this year, their lowest count for October was 130. Peregrine Falcon counts were also quite low. Six were counted compared with a previous average of sixteen for the month. Cooper's Hawk counts were half their normal. We usually see several Red-shoulders, but only one was counted. Osprey numbers were also low. Surprisingly, the American Kestrel held its own. Population decline for this species has been widely reported for quite some time and our raptor counts were down overal, so low numbers for this month were expected. One other high point was a late group of 27 Broad-wings showing up on October 11th at 5:55PM, which was quite late in the day, as well as the year for this species. Non-raptor migrants were also in short supply this month. However, we did have some interesting non-raptor visiters drop in (i.e. Northern Shrike). We also enjoyed numerous close sightings of raptors despite the low counts. November Only 12.5 hours of observation were logged this month, still we did count some birds. This year's biggest flights of Red-tailed Hawks occurred on the third and fourth of the month. However, counts were not impressive in any way. We recorded a single Red-shouldered Hawk, a couple of Goshawks and a few other species. The last migrant of the year was a lone Turkey Vulture. As has been the case in previous years, the trails leading to the site produced some birds of interest. A Blue-winged Warbler was likely the most exciting. Analysis of Flight Trends Yearly flights are strongly influenced by weather. The number of birds counted in migration can directly reflect the weather's affect on breeding success as well as its affect on daily flights or both. Unfavourable wind conditions occurring during migration can cause raptors to move over more of a broad front. When this occurs, a smaller portion of the population will likely be counted. Deviation from 'normal' weather during the breeding season can strongly affect reproductive success and the number of immature birds counted during migration. These results can be favourable or adverse. Human influences can also impact flight trends. Typically, these trends can only be detected through long-term monitoring. Some of this year's numbers almost certainly show the effects of relatively poor weather during this year's breeding season. A general lack of favourable winds occurred during the first half of October. That likely combined with the effects of poor breeding success, producing the low number of hawks counted during the month of October. Importance of Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch Data Raptor populations can be negatively impacted by forestry practises, pesticide use, the placement of structures in migration routes and other human activities. The data collected through this project contributes important information about raptor populations, their migration routes and the timing of migration. These efforts support the identification of species in decline and inform recovery efforts. Greenlaw Mountain is the northeastern most hawk watch site in North America. The majority of 'our' hawks are likely just starting their journey. The majority of hawk watches, however, observe hawks that have been traveling for days, weeks or even months. We might be the most strategically placed to observe hawks early in migration. Personal Notes It is a privilege to be able to conduct this project and I am thrilled that we are generating so much knowledge of regional hawk migration and raptor populations. It is my intention to do all that I can to keep the project going and to further develop our regional understanding of and appreciation for birds of prey. Continuing to build our database will show important trends in raptor populations and their movements. The project is still very young and much more work needs to be done. We have five years worth of data behind us, yet I often feel like we are really just getting started. The flights documented in these first years really only represent base data. In my opinion, we are just starting to understand hawk migration along this part of the bay. Counting hawks on the mountain is a constant learning experience and I feel as though we learned more this year than any year except our first. Broad-wings were documented this year in numbers similar to the 'big flights' of 2011. When those big flights were first recorded, we did not know if they were a twenty-year event or something rather common. Evidence is starting to suggest that it might be more of the later. The late-day, as well as, late-in-the season flights of Broad-winged Hawks documented this year are also providing great opportunities for learning. Seeing large flocks of Broad-wings moving very late in the day suggests to me that we might need to extend our observation periods during peak season. Some of these birds remained at high altitudes much later in the day than I expected. Another thing to watch is the reoccurrence of late in the season flights (Late-September/early October for Broad-wings). They are starting to suggest the presence of birds from Nova Scotia. The 'unusual' flights of hawks this October are also great learning opportunities. All of these things demonstrate how much learning potential there is or perhaps more to the point, how little we know. This project is supported by the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund. Additional support comes from individual supporters and our volunteers. Thanks and Recognition Special thanks go out to all of the volunteers. They often leave the hawk watch thanking the official counter for the experience, but the greatest thanks goes to them. Their help is critical to our success. No one person, no matter how skilled and dedicated, can possibly see and identify all of the hawks. Thanks also to the hawk watch committee members. They have volunteered many hours to the administration of this project. Hank Scarth chairs the committee and has been instrumental in our success. Additional thanks goes to the property owners and our supporters. We couldn't do this without you! Conclusion We are seeking feedback on this project. Please let us know your thoughts on the daily reports, flight forecasts, your experiences at the hawk watch or any other aspect of the project. We also welcome letters of support, as they help us in our pursuit of funding. Our mission is far from complete. We are just starting to get a handle on hawk migration through New Brunswick. We hope to see everyone again next year! Species Accounts Turkey Vulture Earliest Observation*: August 25 Latest Observation: November 4 Single Day High Count: 22 (October 6) Peak**: Early October Season Total: 173 This year's counts were down from last, but still show a clear upward trend. Osprey Earliest Observation: August 23 Latest Observation: October 12 Single Day High Count: 14 (August 23) Peak: Early September Season Total: 166 This species appears to have moved earlier in the season than previous years. The total number of individuals counted was slightly above our previous average. Bald Eagle Earliest Observation: August 23 Latest Observation: November 4 Single Day High Count: 9 (September 15) Peak: No clear peak period was observed for this season. Season Total: 41 This year's counts were our lowest ever recorded for this species. Golden Eagle No records this season. Northern Harrier Earliest Observation: August 24 Latest Observation: November 4 Single Day High Count: 7 (October 12) Peak: September/October Season Total: 52 This year's counts were below average, likely a predictable outcome of a very wet breeding season for this ground nester. Sharp-shinned Hawk Earliest Observation: August 23 Latest Observation: November 4 Single Day High Count: 49 (September 19) Peak: September Season Total: 520 Our lowest count ever for this species and well below our average of 676. This species might have also moved early(as well as in low numbers). Cooper's Hawk Earliest Observation: September 14 Latest Observation: October 19 Single Day High: 3 (September 19) Peak: No clear peak. Season Total: 9 This year's counts were our lowest ever. Northern Goshawk Earliest Observation: September 28 Latest Observation: November 7 Single Day High Count: 3 (October 21) Peak: October Season Total: 15 A slightly higher than average number. Red-shouldered Hawk Earliest Observation: September 9 Latest Observation: November 4 Single Day High Count: 1 Peak: Late Season is typical for this species. However, our numbers are not adequate to represent a peak. Season Total: 3 This year's counts were our lowest ever for this species.. Broad-winged Hawk Earliest Observation: August 23 Latest Observation: October 21 (quite late) Single Day High Count: 1885 (September 17) Peak: Mid-September Season Total: 5405 Very good numbers for this species. This years total is similar to the previous season high count set in 2011. Future counts could show that this is a fairly typical number. Some of the late movements of this species at our site are very interesting. Much more study is needed. Red-tailed Hawk Earliest Observation: August 24 Latest Observation: November 4 Single Day High Count: 23 (November 4) Peak: Early November Season Total: 132 Our lowest season total for this species. Prior to this season, our average was 237. Rough-legged Hawk This raptor has yet to be counted during the fall season. Several have been observed moving past our site during spring migration. American Kestrel Earliest Observation: August 23 Latest Observation: October 27 Single Day High Count: 37 (September 27)*** Peak: Mid-September to early October Season Total: 200*** Our highest season count beating the prior record by one. Merlin Earliest Observation: August 30 Latest Observation: October 23 Single Day High Count: 12 (September 27)*** Peak: Early through mid- October Season Total: 42 A fairly average count. Peregrine Falcon Earliest Observation: August 23 Latest Observation: October 23 Single Day High Count: 2 (September 17) Peak: September/October Season Total: 12 Our lowest recorded season total. 21 was our previous average. Unidentified Accipiter Season Total: 0 Unidentified Buteo Season Total: 0 Unidentified Falcon Season Total: 4 Unidentified Eagle Season Total: 1 Unidentified Raptor Season Total: 66 Combined Season Total For Migrating Raptors: 6841 * Earliest and latest observations refer only to hawks counted as migrants. ** Peaks for each species listed above are for this year. Peaks can vary from one year to the next. *** Denotes a record count. Todd Watts Project Co-ordinator and Official Counter Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch Saint John Naturalists' Club fishbird@xplornet.ca 506 529-4656 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html -- James Churchill Kentville, Nova Scotia jameslchurchill@gmail.com (902) 681-2374 --001a11c2e60aa2aceb04eb905644 Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable <div dir=3D"ltr"><br><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded me= ssage ----------<br>From: <b class=3D"gmail_sendername">Todd Watts</b> <spa= n dir=3D"ltr"><<a href=3D"mailto:fishbird@xplornet.ca">fishbird@xplornet= .ca</a>></span><br> Date: Tue, Nov 19, 2013 at 4:56 PM<br>Subject: Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch= Fall 2013 Report<br>To: <a href=3D"mailto:NATURENB@listserv.unb.ca">NATURE= NB@listserv.unb.ca</a><br><br><br>Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch Fall 2013<br= > <br> Season five has come to an end. Counts for this year produced new highs as = well as some lows. It was a very interesting year overall with a busy first= half of the season followed by an unusual month of October. Much was learn= ed as we transition from collection of base data to documenting trends. Pub= lic interest and participation continues to be high. The potential for lear= ning continues to be great. Even with five years behind us, we are really j= ust getting started.<br> <br> Migrating raptors were counted on 38 days between August 23 to November 4 w= ith a total of 259.5 observation hours logged. The total number of migratin= g hawks counted for the season was 6841. This year's count total was ou= r second highest on record and we counted more birds of prey in total than = many sites well to our south and west (due to the large numbers of Broad-wi= ngs counted at our site). Single day high counts for 2 species were recorde= d. We also recorded season low counts for 5 species.<br> <br> <br> Count Protocols<br> As in previous seasons, this year's counts were conducted on days consi= dered to have favourable winds and a general lack of significant precipitat= ion. Hawks moving roughly east to west were considered migrants. Because of= the presence of resident raptors, some species were watched more closely d= uring certain portions of the season to ensure accuracy of our counts. Part= ial and full-year residents near the site include Bald Eagle, Broad-winged = Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshaw= k and Turkey Vulture. Eagles and vultures are typically the most difficult = to monitor as the daily movements of these resident birds can be great.<br> <br> <br> A Quick Look at the Season<br> <br> August<br> Early season counts went quite well with good winds occurring during the la= st week of the month. This resulted in a higher than average number of hawk= s counted. Resident raptors were present, however, their numbers seemed to = be low and there were lower than usual activity levels over and around the = site.<br> <br> September<br> The first two weeks of the month produced modest flights of the usual rapto= rs. The first good flight of Broad-wings occurred on the 15th with 276 coun= ted for the day. On the 17th, cloudless skies and a relatively strong North= wind produced 1885 Broad-wings. Kettles containing over 100 birds were obs= erved several times. Mid-afternoon flights were very high. A few flocks cou= ld not be seen even with eight-power optics. Some birds remained high throu= gh late afternoon. One group of high flying birds, consisting of roughly 10= 0 individuals, was still observed at great heights just before 6:00PM. Smal= ler groups of birds moving at lower altitudes were observed during the next= hour. Several volunteers were onsite for much of the day, helping to spot = the approaching raptors. The following day brought another 816 hawks (mostl= y Broad-wings). Counts then backed off for a day and then another 1107 hawk= s were counted on September 20th. Nearly all of them were counted before No= on. Since the official counter was the only observer that day, many birds c= ould have been missed. Smaller flights followed for about one week, until a= flight of 690 hawks was documented on the 26th. The official counter was, = once again, the only observer. Movements of Kestrels and Sharp-shins were f= airly steady through the month, but without any impressive flights other th= an a movement of 37 Kestrels. This flight occurred largely within a two hou= r period late in the day.<br> <br> October<br> This was a month to be remembered. Weather was somewhat unusual with a gene= ral lack of favourable winds occurring during the daylight hours. Raptor mo= vements for several species were very light. Low counts were observed almos= t right from the start. Sharp-shinned Hawk counts were often single digit. = Typically in other years, we would see several days with counts of fifty of= more. This month, however, finished off with only 132 counted in total. Pr= ior to this year, this species lowest count for the month of October was 28= 1. Red-tailed Hawk counts didn't fare any better. All of their single-d= ay counts were single digit, well below their 'normal'. Only 45 wer= e counted for the month. Prior to this year, their lowest count for October= was 130. Peregrine Falcon counts were also quite low. Six were counted com= pared with a previous average of sixteen for the month. Cooper's Hawk c= ounts were half their normal. We usually see several Red-shoulders, but onl= y one was counted. Osprey numbers were also low. Surprisingly, the American= Kestrel held its own. Population decline for this species has been widely = reported for quite some time and our raptor counts were down overal, so low= numbers for this month were expected. One other high point was a late grou= p of 27 Broad-wings showing up on October 11th at 5:55PM, which was quite l= ate in the day, as well as the year for this species. Non-raptor migrants w= ere also in short supply this month. However, we did have some interesting = non-raptor visiters drop in (i.e. Northern Shrike). We also enjoyed numerou= s close sightings of raptors despite the low counts.<br> <br> November<br> Only 12.5 hours of observation were logged this month, still we did count s= ome birds. This year's biggest flights of Red-tailed Hawks occurred on = the third and fourth of the month. However, counts were not impressive in a= ny way. We recorded a single Red-shouldered Hawk, a couple of Goshawks and = a few other species. The last migrant of the year was a lone Turkey Vulture= .<br> <br> <br> As has been the case in previous years, the trails leading to the site prod= uced some birds of interest. A Blue-winged Warbler was likely the most exci= ting.<br> <br> <br> Analysis of Flight Trends<br> Yearly flights are strongly influenced by weather. The number of birds coun= ted in migration can directly reflect the weather's affect on breeding = success as well as its affect on daily flights or both. Unfavourable wind c= onditions occurring during migration can cause raptors to move over more of= a broad front. When this occurs, a smaller portion of the population will = likely be counted. Deviation from 'normal' weather during the breed= ing season can strongly affect reproductive success and the number of immat= ure birds counted during migration. These results can be favourable or adve= rse. Human influences can also impact flight trends. Typically, these trend= s can only be detected through long-term monitoring.<br> <br> Some of this year's numbers almost certainly show the effects of relati= vely poor weather during this year's breeding season. A general lack of= favourable winds occurred during the first half of October. That likely co= mbined with the effects of poor breeding success, producing the low number = of hawks counted during the month of October.<br> <br> Importance of Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch Data<br> Raptor populations can be negatively impacted by forestry practises, pestic= ide use, the placement of structures in migration routes and other human ac= tivities. The data collected through this project contributes important inf= ormation about raptor populations, their migration routes and the timing of= migration. These efforts support the identification of species in decline = and inform recovery efforts.<br> <br> Greenlaw Mountain is the northeastern most hawk watch site in North America= . The majority of 'our' hawks are likely just starting their journe= y. The majority of hawk watches, however, observe hawks that have been trav= eling for days, weeks or even months. We might be the most strategically pl= aced to observe hawks early in migration.<br> <br> Personal Notes<br> It is a privilege to be able to conduct this project and I am thrilled that= we are generating so much knowledge of regional hawk migration and raptor = populations. It is my intention to do all that I can to keep the project go= ing and to further develop our regional understanding of and appreciation f= or birds of prey. Continuing to build our database will show important tren= ds in raptor populations and their movements. The project is still very you= ng and much more work needs to be done.<br> <br> We have five years worth of data behind us, yet I often feel like we are re= ally just getting started. The flights documented in these first years real= ly only represent base data. In my opinion, we are just starting to underst= and hawk migration along this part of the bay.<br> <br> Counting hawks on the mountain is a constant learning experience and I feel= as though we learned more this year than any year except our first. Broad-= wings were documented this year in numbers similar to the 'big flights&= #39; of 2011. When those big flights were first recorded, we did not know i= f they were a twenty-year event or something rather common. Evidence is sta= rting to suggest that it might be more of the later. The late-day, as well = as, late-in-the season flights of Broad-winged Hawks documented this year a= re also providing great opportunities for learning. Seeing large flocks of = Broad-wings moving very late in the day suggests to me that we might need t= o extend our observation periods during peak season. Some of these birds re= mained at high altitudes much later in the day than I expected. Another thi= ng to watch is the reoccurrence of late in the season flights (Late-Septemb= er/early October for Broad-wings). They are starting to suggest the presenc= e of birds from Nova Scotia. The 'unusual' flights of hawks this Oc= tober are also great learning opportunities. All of these things demonstrat= e how much learning potential there is or perhaps more to the point, how li= ttle we know.<br> <br> <br> This project is supported by the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund. Additio= nal support comes from individual supporters and our volunteers.<br> <br> <br> Thanks and Recognition<br> Special thanks go out to all of the volunteers. They often leave the hawk w= atch thanking the official counter for the experience, but the greatest tha= nks goes to them. Their help is critical to our success. No one person, no = matter how skilled and dedicated, can possibly see and identify all of the = hawks. Thanks also to the hawk watch committee members. They have volunteer= ed many hours to the administration of this project. Hank Scarth chairs the= committee and has been instrumental in our success. Additional thanks goes= to the property owners and our supporters. We couldn't do this without= you!<br> <br> <br> Conclusion<br> We are seeking feedback on this project. Please let us know your thoughts o= n the daily reports, flight forecasts, your experiences at the hawk watch o= r any other aspect of the project. We also welcome letters of support, as t= hey help us in our pursuit of funding. Our mission is far from complete. We= are just starting to get a handle on hawk migration through New Brunswick.= <br> We hope to see everyone again next year!<br> <br> Species Accounts<br> <br> Turkey Vulture<br> Earliest Observation*: August 25<br> Latest Observation: November 4<br> Single Day High Count: 22 (October 6)<br> Peak**: Early October<br> Season Total: 173<br> <br> This year's counts were down from last, but still show a clear upward t= rend.<br> <br> <br> Osprey<br> Earliest Observation: August 23<br> Latest Observation: October 12<br> Single Day High Count: 14 (August 23)<br> Peak: Early September<br> Season Total: 166<br> <br> This species appears to have moved earlier in the season than previous year= s. The total number of individuals counted was slightly above our previous = average.<br> <br> Bald Eagle<br> Earliest Observation: August 23<br> Latest Observation: November 4<br> Single Day High Count: 9 (September 15)<br> Peak: No clear peak period was observed for this season.<br> Season Total: 41<br> <br> This year's counts were our lowest ever recorded for this species.<br> <br> <br> Golden Eagle<br> No records this season.<br> <br> <br> Northern Harrier<br> Earliest Observation: August 24<br> Latest Observation: November 4<br> Single Day High Count: 7 (October 12)<br> Peak: September/October<br> Season Total: 52<br> <br> This year's counts were below average, likely a predictable outcome of = a very wet breeding season for this ground nester.<br> <br> Sharp-shinned Hawk<br> Earliest Observation: August 23<br> Latest Observation: November 4<br> Single Day High Count: 49 (September 19)<br> Peak: September<br> Season Total: 520<br> <br> Our lowest count ever for this species and well below our average of 676. T= his species might have also moved early(as well as in low numbers).<br> <br> <br> Cooper's Hawk<br> Earliest Observation: September 14<br> Latest Observation: October 19<br> Single Day High: 3 (September 19)<br> Peak: No clear peak.<br> Season Total: 9<br> <br> This year's counts were our lowest ever.<br> <br> <br> Northern Goshawk<br> Earliest Observation: September 28<br> Latest Observation: November 7<br> Single Day High Count: 3 (October 21)<br> Peak: October<br> Season Total: 15<br> <br> A slightly higher than average number.<br> <br> <br> Red-shouldered Hawk<br> Earliest Observation: September 9<br> Latest Observation: November 4<br> Single Day High Count: 1<br> Peak: Late Season is typical for this species. However, our numbers are not= adequate to represent a peak.<br> Season Total: 3<br> <br> This year's counts were our lowest ever for this species..<br> <br> Broad-winged Hawk<br> Earliest Observation: August 23<br> Latest Observation: October 21 (quite late)<br> Single Day High Count: 1885 (September 17)<br> Peak: Mid-September<br> Season Total: 5405<br> <br> Very good numbers for this species. This years total is similar to the prev= ious season high count set in 2011. Future counts could show that this is a= fairly typical number. Some of the late movements of this species at our s= ite are very interesting. Much more study is needed.<br> <br> <br> Red-tailed Hawk<br> Earliest Observation: August 24<br> Latest Observation: November 4<br> Single Day High Count: 23 (November 4)<br> Peak: Early November<br> Season Total: 132<br> <br> Our lowest season total for this species. Prior to this season, our average= was 237.<br> <br> <br> Rough-legged Hawk<br> This raptor has yet to be counted during the fall season. Several have been= observed moving past our site during spring migration.<br> <br> <br> American Kestrel<br> Earliest Observation: August 23<br> Latest Observation: October 27<br> Single Day High Count: 37 (September 27)***<br> Peak: Mid-September to early October<br> Season Total: 200***<br> <br> Our highest season count beating the prior record by one.<br> <br> <br> Merlin<br> Earliest Observation: August 30<br> Latest Observation: October 23<br> Single Day High Count: 12 (September 27)***<br> Peak: Early through mid- October<br> Season Total: 42<br> <br> A fairly average count.<br> <br> <br> Peregrine Falcon<br> Earliest Observation: August 23<br> Latest Observation: October 23<br> Single Day High Count: 2 (September 17)<br> Peak: September/October<br> Season Total: 12<br> <br> Our lowest recorded season total. 21 was our previous average.<br> <br> <br> Unidentified Accipiter<br> Season Total: 0<br> <br> Unidentified Buteo<br> Season Total: 0<br> <br> Unidentified Falcon<br> Season Total: 4<br> <br> Unidentified Eagle<br> Season Total: 1<br> <br> Unidentified Raptor<br> Season Total: 66<br> <br> <br> <br> Combined Season Total For Migrating Raptors: 6841<br> <br> * Earliest and latest observations refer only to hawks counted as migrants.= <br> <br> ** Peaks for each species listed above are for this year. Peaks can vary fr= om one year to the next.<br> <br> *** Denotes a record count.<br> <span class=3D"HOEnZb"><font color=3D"#888888"><br> <br> <br> <br> Todd Watts<br> Project Co-ordinator and Official Counter<br> Greenlaw Mountain Hawk Watch<br> Saint John Naturalists' Club<br> fishbird@xplornet.ca<br> 506 529-4656<br> NatureNB guidelines =A0<a href=3D"http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html= " target=3D"_blank">http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html</a><br> Foire aux questions de NatureNB =A0<a href=3D"http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/marys= pt/nnbf.html" target=3D"_blank">http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html</= a><br> </font></span></div><br><br clear=3D"all"><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir=3D= "ltr">James Churchill<br>Kentville, Nova Scotia<br><a href=3D"mailto:jamesl= churchill@gmail.com" target=3D"_blank">jameslchurchill@gmail.com</a><br>(90= 2) 681-2374<br> <br><br><br></div> </div> --001a11c2e60aa2aceb04eb905644--
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