Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Emma Riley, Audrey Anderson
Observers: Amanda Baker, Cayce Gulbransen , Cheryl Wilcox,
Chris Gulbransen , Ryan Gannon
Visitors:
Thank you to Chris & Cayce Gulbransen, Amanda Baker, Cheryl Wilcox, and
Ryan Gannon for your help spotting birds on a cold day!
The trail was empty for most of the day, with 4 visitors stopping at the
hawk watch. No more than 10 other people were seen recreating all day, and
most of them were on the trail below the ridge to the east.
Weather:
We finally made it onto the ridge after two days of high winds stopping our
count. The trail was surprisingly dry, but temperatures were low all day.
The sun showed itself every once in a while providing some great relief.
Winds were very mild all day until the last hour or two when they picked up
to around 30 km/h. Winds were from the N until they picked up, shifting W.
Raptor Observations:
Raptor activity kicked off almost immediately with a migrating GE. Eagles
continued to move today with 3 BE following similar lines throughout the
day. A SS was seen near Mt Morrison moving N, flying with a lot of
stability in the very minimal winds. RT mainly moved through the W valley.
Non-migrant activity continues to be high with three adult RT often seen
flying together. Local BE and GE were also seen today. A male AK has been
spotted a few times now, hunting from the power lines that cross the
highway to the W of us. This bird was also seen kiting, rather impressively
in the winds, just near the ridge. A local CH was also seen moving S with
some good speed.
Non-raptor Observations:
Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 2, Black-billed Magpie 1, Common Raven 1, American
Bushtit 7, Mountain Bluebird 2, American Robin 1, House Finch 1
Predictions:
Temperatures pick up tomorrow with winds continuing from a W direction.
Winds should be mild and we are hopeful to get a good push here any day
now!
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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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