Observation start time: 10:00:00
Observation end time: 12:00:00
Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Audrey Anderson
Observers: Laura Campbell, Lori Morton
Visitors:
Thank you to all of our volunteers for coming up to the ridge and working
with us in these windy conditions.
In the 2 hours we had a total of 14 visitors! Thank you to our wonderful
volunteers and our official observer Laura Campbell for help with education
and interpretation.
Weather:
Today was partially cloudy with strong NW winds. Gusts on the ride reached
35 mph and were predicted to continue into afternoon up to 45+. With the
strong gusts and dry conditions, along with potential high wind fire risk,
the count was called around noon. A red flag warning also went into effect
across the front range, it was in place till 8:00pm this evening.
Raptor Observations:
Migrant activity was low in the hours spent on the ridge, all migrants were
high in a flight line directly above the ridge. No other movement.
Local raptor activity however seemed at an all time high. 2 pairs of RTHA
made consistent appearances kiting in the wing and displaying. One RTHA
perched atop a juniper and was harassed by a local male AMKE.
Non-raptor Observations:
Common Raven 2, Mountain Bluebird 20, American Robin 1, House Finch 3,
Dark-eyed Junco 1, Spotted Towhee 2
Predictions:
Similar conditions to today but not as windy with generally 10-15 mph
winds. Winds will begin in the SE before shifting to a NW in the afternoon.
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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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