Observation start time: 06:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Audrey Anderson, Emma Riley, Emma Riley, Audrey Anderson
Observers: Ajit Antony, Amanda Baker, Clay Gibson, Mike Serruto,
Oliver Urdiales
Visitors:
This part of the season is always sad for us as we have to say our
goodbyes. This one was an especially sad one as we said goodbye to our
Counter Audrey Anderson today as she moves onto her next adventure.
Audrey returned this year after working as an Official Observer with us
last year. She has been an outstanding addition to the site- from
volunteering her time to come up to the ridge as early as 6:00 AM to
explore the passerine migration, to speaking at Evergreen Audubon's chapter
meeting. She has provided many visitors, volunteers, and observers with a
wealth of enthusiastically shared information. Audrey's presence at the
ridge this year has been influential to us all, and we can't wait to see
the impact you have on this field moving forward!
We also said goodbye to our weekly Monday observers Clay Gibson and Mike
Serruto. Thank you both for your dedication, assistance, and overall
companionship every Monday. It has been a real pleasure getting to know you
both over these last few years!
A total of 7 visitors were seen on the ridge today, including a local
birder and new volunteer Oliver Urdiales. Oliver spent a few hours with us
and spotted a few of our migrants.
Weather:
We had a nice morning this morning before thunderstorms rolled in.
Temperatures were pleasant and winds were from the SE. Thunderstorms moved
in from the S over the western slopes by noon. Clouds looked mild at points
and threatening at others. Winds picked up and lightning was recorded <15
miles from us, leading us to end the count.
Raptor Observations:
We were hopeful for a push of migrants before the storm today and a tiny
push we got. A handful of birds came west and overhead, including a low
Osprey. A dark-morph Swainson's Hawk also came through low and took its
time moving north.
Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks were seen scattered across the
landscape all day. 1 to 4 RT were seen kiting at any point in the higher
winds before we ended the day. These birds have consistently used the windy
days this spring to hunt on the wing like this. It was great to share these
sights with volunteers and new visitors!
Non-raptor Observations:
White-throated Swift 7, Broad-tailed Hummingbird 1, Eurasian Collared-Dove
2, Mourning Dove 2, Killdeer 1, Ring-billed Gull 6, Double-crested
Cormorant 4, American White Pelican 5, Belted Kingfisher 1, Blue Jay 5,
Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 2, Black-billed Magpie 1, Black-capped Chickadee 4,
Tree Swallow 3, Violet-green Swallow 47, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 4,
White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Red-breasted Nuthatch 1, House Finch 6, American
Goldfinch 4, Chipping Sparrow 3, Spotted Towhee 6, Western Meadowlark 3,
Common Grackle 8, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 4
Predictions:
The count will likely be shortened or cancelled due to heavy precipitation
in the area. Volunteers- please check the Google Calendar for updates.
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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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