Date: 3/5/25 5:47 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [cobirds] Mount Zion Hawk Watch at Windy Saddle Park (05 Mar 2025) 1 Raptors
Mount Zion Hawk Watch at Windy Saddle Park
Golden, Greater Denver, Colorado, USA
This is a new raptor migration site identified and designated in mid-September 2024. This is Colorado's 1st fall hawk watch site and the state's second spring watch site.
Many raptors seen c. 1.5 miles to the West from Dinosaur Ridge, may be directly overhead at this site, we are hoping.
To get to the site which is along Lookout Mountain Rd. in Golden, enter either Windy Saddle Park or Mount Zion into Google Maps on your favorite navigation app, or enter the coordinates 39.7368,-105.2454. From the parking lot ascend the stone steps to the watch site.
Anyone is welcome to join us if they want to see the spectacle of spring raptor migration, whether they know nothing or know a lot regarding identifying raptor species.
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 05, 2025
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Observation start time: 10:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Ajit Antony
Observers:
Visitors:
One man told me he saw a hawk while hiking up the trail to the NE, which
indicated to me that he knew I was a hawk watcher. Others were curious and
asked what I was looking for, and I explained about raptor migration in
spring and fall. One of them was an avid watcher of nature programs on TV
but thought the raptors did not migrate. We had a long discussion as to
what raptors do for food in the far north when there are many feet of snow
on the ground. Migrate! One wanted to know if this was my job, and I
explained that I am retired but did this for decades while I was working in
NY. 2 Jeffco workers asked me in the parking lot whether I was looking for
bighorn sheep, when I explained, one said he had seen Golden Eagles there.
Weather:
Moderate winds from the ESE, Level 3-4, high humidity 70>64, visibility
19-39 km, cloud cover 0-25%.
Raptor Observations:
Only one migrant, an NH at 10:27 a.m. MSG at the Eastern end of Lookout
Mountain, found while I followed an SS over me going to the SE between the
two tall antenna.
Non-migratory RT 2-4. There was a strong ridge lift. I saw an RT on the
Eastern flank of Lookout Mountain just spread its wings and go straight up
in the air.
Non-raptor Observations:
Black-capped Chickadee 1, Western Bluebird 1 flying and calling,
Black-billed Magpie 4, Common Raven 2, American Crow 2.
Predictions:
Rain and snow.
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Report submitted by Ajit Antony (<aiantony...>)
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