Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Audrey Anderson, Emma Riley, Audrey Anderson
Observers: Ajit Antony, Archer Silverman, Haley Caron, Janet Peters,
Laura Campbell, Natalie Uschner-Arroyo, Pam Moore
Visitors:
Thank you to our visitors, volunteers, and everyone that helped support our
2025 Raptorton! 41 species were seen from the Hawkwatch and many more were
contributed from within the event radius! The final species total from
Raptorton will be posted soon! Thank you one again to all those who are a
part of our wonderful Hawkwatch community, your support makes a world of a
difference.
Weather:
Weather consisted of around 30C. With overcast clouds throughout the day.
Winds mostly originating out of the SE before transitioning to NW in the
late afternoon. Thermals allowed for high migrant activity beginning around
10:00.
Raptor Observations:
Today was the second best day of the season! Large movements of Osprey,
Cooper’s Hawk, and American Kestrel were noticeable throughout the count.
The first of season Swainson’s Hawk was recorded as well as the 2nd
Goshawk of the season. The juvenile Gos came low over the E side of the
ridge. A total of 10 migrant raptor species were recorded for the count, 12
including local individuals. Out of the 11 Osprey we had today, our last
individual, presumably a female based on extensive chest markings, perched
up on the power pole directly S of the Hawkwatch and consumed a bass! The
American Kestrels continue to come in the force, making up the majority of
our migrants at 41 individuals. They continue to be picking up in the late
afternoon. Overall count numbers show 355 American Kestrels this season
which is creeping up on the Red-tailed Hawk current season total of 360!
Non-raptor Observations:
SNOW GOOSE 125, White-throated Swift 8, Feral Pigeon 2, Mourning Dove 2,
Sandhill Crane 23, Double-crested Cormorant 3, American White Pelican 8,
Say's Phoebe 2, Blue Jay 1, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 3, Black-billed Magpie 9,
American Crow 2, Common Raven 8, Tree Swallow 7, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow 1, Barn Swallow 1, American Bushtit 4, Western Bluebird 2, American
Robin 2, House Finch 4, American Goldfinch 4, Dark-eyed Junco 4, Spotted
Towhee 4, Western Meadowlark 2
Predictions:
Tomorrow we can expect a drop in temperatures, ranging around 20C. Winds
will be out of the NE with gusts up to 20 mph at times. Overall sunny skies
with mixed cloud cover throughout. After a great stretch of migrant
activity this drop in temperatures could yield a good flight! Potentially
bringing birds lower than they’ve been the last few days as well.
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Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
www.dinosaurridgehawkwatch.org
Site Description:
Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawk watch in Colorado and is
the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Hawk
watchers may see 17 species of migrating raptors; and it is an excellent
site to see rare dark morph buteos including Broad-winged hawk,
Swainson’s hawk, Ferruginous hawk, Rough-legged hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.
Other raptors we see include Golden and Bald Eagles, Northern harrier,
Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned
Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin, and Turkey Vultures. American Goshawk is
uncommon but also counted each season. Non-raptor species include Rock
Wren, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift,
American White Pelican, and Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are
always welcome. The hawk watch at Dinosaur Ridge is staffed by Hawk
Counter(s) and volunteers from March through early May.
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 hawk watch signs
from the southwest end of the parking lot to the hawk watch 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, and walk to the flat area at the crest of the ridge.
(Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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