Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Gary Rossmiller
Observers: Barb Goncalves, Eddie Israel, Janet Peters
Visitors: Trail and the platform were quite busy today. Barb and Eddie helped us out for several hours making sighting much easier.
Weather: Day was sunny, slight breeze out of the east or se, B1-B3 with a few gusts to B4, just a beautiful day. Lots of haze still in the sky from recent moisture. Barometer dropped from 24.79 down to 24.70, humidity dropping from 36% down to 11%. Horizons visible at 33km. Trail is dry except for a few small muddy spots in the shade. I'm surprised how much snow is still lingering on the north of Mt. Morrison. Lots of drifts.
Raptor Observations: Day started out with a busy sky just to the east of the site at eye level or below. One raptor between 12-1pm, after that nothing. My second Harlan's of the season gave us a good look at eye level. A couple of the RT's and one of the CH soared very high before moving along. 2 of the RT's moved NW, all other migrators headed north. Maybe 2 pair of local RT's today. A adult BE headed our way until about a 1/4 mile south of us, then turned around to the south.
Non-raptor Observations: Local birds were almost absent; Solitaire, Magpies, Mtn Chickadee, Raven, local TV, a small moth, and a Woodhouse. 6 deer to the west of Rooney Rd down by the Visitor Center. 4 brightly colored small airplanes went overhead and then east between 10-11. 7 Canadian Geese headed south on the west side. Matthew Winters reopened for the first time in about a week.
Predictions: Warmer and windier. I thought this afternoon was an excellent day to migrate, but evidently not. Tomorrow should be better. Be prepared for the early birds down low. ======================================================================== Report submitted by DAVID HILL () Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at: http://www.dfobirds.org
Site Description: Dinosaur Ridge is the only regularly staffed hawkwatch in Colorado and is the best place in the world to see migrating Ferruginous Hawks. Dinosaur Ridge may be the best place in the country to see the rare dark morph of the Broad-winged Hawk (a few are seen each spring). Hawkwatchers who linger long enough may see resident Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks and Prairie Falcons, in addition to migrating Swainson's, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels and Turkey Vultures. Peregrine Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks are uncommon; Northern Goshawk is rare but regular. Non-raptor species include Rock Wren, and sometimes Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Sandhill Crane, White-throated Swift, American White Pelican or Dusky Grouse. Birders of any skill level are always welcome. HawkWatch at Dinosaur Ridge is generally staffed by volunteers from about 9 AM to around 3 PM from March 1st to May 7th.
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 small signs from the southwest end of lot to the hawkwatch 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, head through the gate, and walk to the clearly-visible, flat area at the crest of the ridge. (Distance: 0.56 miles, Elevation gain: 259 feet)
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