Observation start time: 09:30:00
Observation end time: 15:30:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter:
Observers: Soren Zappia
Visitors:
5 visitors. Similar to the birds, the visitors appeared most active in the
late morning and early afternoon.
Thanks to Sara Painter and Cassandra Baird for volunteering today!
Weather:
Yesterday's snow made for a beautiful winter scene on the ridge. The sun
was shining all day with blue skies, and temperatures cool but above
freezing throughout the day. In the morning, the wind started as a light
breeze from the northwest, picking up a bit as the morning went on. In the
early afternoon wind briefly shifted to southwest before shifting back to
northwest and increasing to moderately-strong.
Raptor Observations:
It was a quiet first few hours of the count, with local activity starting
in the late hours of the morning with first an American Kestrel, then the
resident Red-tailed Hawks and Golden Eagles.
Mid-day, A juvenile Golden Eagle flew low directly overhead, and was
relentlessly harassed by a resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks before
eventually heading east.
Shortly after, a migrant Red-tailed Hawk soared high before streaming
north. A few minutes later a second went past, both birds distant and at
the limits of our binoculars.
Later in the afternoon, increasing winds appeared to dampen raptor
activity. Regardless, a pair of local Red-tailed Hawks were out hunting,
often seen below eye level. One bird appeared quite successful and
presented its mate with a small rodent it had caught.
Predictions:
Tomorrow, expect more sun and warming temperatures. Winds are predicted to
be moderate from the west. Prepare for muddy trail conditions - boots and
hiking poles recommended.
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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, and
American White Pelican. 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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