Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Audrey Anderson, Emma Riley, Audrey Anderson
Observers: Chip Dawes, Pam Schmidt , Stephen Sears
Visitors:
Thank you to all of our visitors and volunteers today, it is always
wonderful to have your eyes helping us spot on the ridge!
A total of 34 visitors came up to the ridge.
With recent rattlesnake sightings in the Dakota Ridge area please be alert
when walking the trail to the Hawkwatch. Nothing to be afraid of, but as
the weather begins to warm keep yourself and the snakes safe by being aware
of your surroundings.
Weather:
Today's weather was mostly overcast with winds out of the S varying from SE
to SW throughout the day. Overall warm temperatures with little breeze.
Raptor Observations:
Overall raptor movement was considerably slower than yesterday despite
seemingly optimal conditions. A few highlights of the day included a close
Merlin, close Turkey Vultures soaring along the ridge, and a rattlesnake
seen at a safe distance along the trail past the hawkwatch!
Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose 26, White-throated Swift 4, Mourning Dove 8, Double-crested
Cormorant 2, Northern Flicker 3, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay 3, Black-capped
Chickadee 2, Mountain Chickadee 1, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Mountain
Bluebird 19, Western Bluebird 3, American Robin 8, Dark-eyed Junco 5,
Spotted Towhee 2, Western Meadowlark 1, Red-winged Blackbird 2
Predictions:
Tomorrow expect overcast conditions with slightly cooler temps than the
last 2 days. Wind gusts are expected to be around 10 mph out of the SW
before switching to NW in the afternoon.
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Report submitted by Official Counter of the day shown above (<dinoridgehw...>)
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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