Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field OrnithologistsColorado, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 28, 2022 |
Species | Day's Count | Month Total | Season Total |
Black Vulture | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Turkey Vulture | 14 | 17 | 17 |
Osprey | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Bald Eagle | 1 | 33 | 33 |
Northern Harrier | 0 | 6 | 6 |
Sharp-shinned Hawk | 3 | 9 | 9 |
Cooper's Hawk | 3 | 9 | 9 |
Northern Goshawk | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Red-shouldered Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Broad-winged Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Red-tailed Hawk | 16 | 386 | 386 |
Rough-legged Hawk | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Swainson's Hawk | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ferruginous Hawk | 1 | 51 | 51 |
Golden Eagle | 2 | 29 | 29 |
American Kestrel | 3 | 28 | 28 |
Merlin | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Peregrine Falcon | 0 | 6 | 6 |
Prairie Falcon | 0 | 7 | 7 |
Mississippi Kite | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Unknown Accipiter | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Unknown Buteo | 0 | 6 | 6 |
Unknown Falcon | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Unknown Eagle | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Unknown Raptor | 1 | 5 | 5 |
Total: | 46 | 604 | 604 |
Observation start time: | 08:30:00 |
Observation end time: | 17:30:00 |
Total observation time: | 9 hours |
Official Counter | Ben Jacques, Carol Cwiklinski |
Observers: | Carol Cwiklinski, Doug Anderson, Jeff Birek, Stephen Hasley |
Visitors:32 total
Thanks to Donna, Jane, Lisa, Steve, Steve, Doug, Carol, and Jeff for coming
out to observe/volunteer.
Weather:There were periods of sun and clouds with light winds. It was hot and dry
throughout most of the day.
Raptor Observations:Migration began between 10 and 11 o'clock and continued uninterrupted until
the end of the count day at 1730. Birds started migrating at lower flight
heights in the morning and were straining binoculars as they passed over in
the afternoon. Red-tails were consistent and other species were scattered
throughout the day. Turkey Vultures were the second most numerous and two
rough-legged hawks rounded out the day nicely.
Non-raptor Observations:There was little non-raptor migration with just a pair of bluebirds moving
past. Corvid activity was typical and the local red-tailed hawks and golden
eagles were present throughout the day. Watch out for a turkey vulture
hanging around Morrison Tower - one stopped and was not seen migrating away
again.
Predictions:Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the
afternoon. High 54F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall
around a quarter of an inch.
Report submitted by DAVID HILL (
)
Dinosaur Ridge - Denver Field Ornithologists information may be found at:
http://www.dfobirds.orgMore information at
hawkcount.org: [
Site Profile] [
Day Summary] [
Month Summary]
Site DescriptionDinosaur 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)