Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley
Observers: Archer Silverman, Bill Hopping, Chris Gulbransen ,
Diana Hornick, Haley Caron, Laura Farnsworth,
Sachiel Oberto
Visitors:
We had a great support team today on the ridge with up to 5 observers
assisting at one time.
Both our Sunday observer, Laura Farnsworth, and intern, Haley Caron, were
with us today!
A total of 55 visitors were counted at the hawk watch today, most of them
being seen in the morning to early afternoon.
Weather:
Winds were moderate from the moment we stepped foot on the ridge today. The
highest gusts were measured at ~20 mph when we were able to get a reading
in time. Winds varied in direction and speed all day but came predominantly
from the West. Cirrus clouds spiraled around the sky all day.
Raptor Observations:
As west winds tend to be our least productive, we were nervous from the
start today. It didn't take long to start spotting our local RTs, and by
the second hour of the day we had migrants. Our highlight of the day was an
overhead PR that gave all of our observers an amazing look at the dark
"armpits" that can help ID these birds.
Many of our migrants today came overhead on the same line, including a CH
in the afternoon. We continue to see migrating eagles and RT, many of them
higher than the smaller birds today.
Local RT (5) activity continues to be almost constant throughout the day.
Local GE (3) activity was also present today, with a few birds acting as
escorts for our migrating GE. One non-migrant BE was also seen today.
*We are trouble shooting our non-raptor notes section currently, please
forgive us for the incomplete lists.
Predictions:
Strong winds from the SW predicted tomorrow, 20+ mph with 40+ mph gusts. A
Red Flag warning has been issued for Jefferson County. Winds will be
monitored in the morning to determine if predictions are correct.
*If you are on the volunteer schedule for tomorrow, please check the
calendar and your email/texts before leaving to the site. As always, we
will update the calendar & do our best to let you know of a cancelled count
day.*
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Report submitted by Official Counter (<j.f.peters58...>)
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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