[mou] Westskyline Hawk Count- update 4/3/05

[Bjboreal@aol.com]

Westskyline Hawk Count has been up and running since 1 March. Now that spring 
has arrived in the Northland the raptors are picking up along with other 
early spring arrivals. 

The month of March ended up not so bad in terms of numbers as they were help 
along with the two good flight days, the 27th and 28th which accounted for 
just over half the month total of 2,200 raptors. Among the 10 species recorded as 
migrants, Bald Eagle lead the numbers with 2,046, while Golden Eagles numbers 
(37) were below expectations. This is mostly do to more then normal number of 
days with northeast winds.

April

The 2nd brought light southerly winds turning over to lake breeze and kept 
the raptors mainly low and using the westskyline ridge for lift and made for 
some nice kettles. The day ended up with 1,152 raptors which included: Turkey 
Vulture-51, Bald Eagle-266, Northern Harrier-5, Sharp-shinned Hawk-30, Cooper's 
Hawk-5, Red-shouldered Hawks-2 (both adults), Red-tailed Hawk 783, Rough-legged 
Hawk 8, Golden Eagle-1, and Merlin-1. Other highlight was a good flight of 
Bohemian Waxwings 450+, a few Evening Grosbeaks.

Today's numbers can be viewed below. Highlights today was an immature 
Red-shouldered Hawk, two adult Harlan's Red-tailed Hawks (one light and one dark), an 
adult Goshawk soaring with red tails and 25 Rough-legged Hawks with good 
looks at mostly adult of both light and dark morph. Other noteworthy migrant were 
3 Sandhill Cranes, 100's Canada Geese and other waterfowl, 150+ Bohemian 
Waxwings, Purple Finch, E. Bluebird, Tree Swallows.

There has been a fair numbers of visitors this week which included Vic 
Berada, Hawk Migration Ass. Of North America regional editor, along with a couple 
from PA, 6 folks from the twin Cities all who were among 30+ visitors. Dave 
Carman and Bruce Palmeroy have been up to help count this week as well.

Below you can view this season's count which is up to date as of 3 April. You 
may also view the count on a daily basis at "HAWKCOUNT. ORG" and look for 
West 
Skyline Hawk Count. 

I would like to thank the MOU committee's and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for 
funding the count this year.

Information about the West Skyline Hawk Count may be found at. 
http://www.hawkridge.org/

West Skyline Hawk Count

Minnesota, USA

Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 03, 2005

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Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total

------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------

Black Vulture                0              0              0

Turkey Vulture              63            116            119

Osprey                       0              0              0

Bald Eagle                 267            604           2650

Northern Harrier             4             10             11

Sharp-shinned Hawk          37             67             86

Cooper's Hawk                3              8             12

Northern Goshawk             1              1              7

Red-shouldered Hawk          1              3              4

Broad-winged Hawk            0              0              0

Red-tailed Hawk            587           1373           1450

Rough-legged Hawk           25             34             40

Golden Eagle                 3              4             41

American Kestrel             2              2              2

Merlin                       1              2              2

Peregrine Falcon             0              0              0

Unknown                      0              0              0


Total:                     994           2224           4424

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Submitted by Frank J Nicoletti
Duluth MN