March 31 [Day 43] (Valley View site) It was a fairly pleasant day with no precipitation and the ridges were clear all day. The temperature reached 4C from a low of -2.5C, ground winds were mainly W-SW gusting 20-35 km/h apart from the first and last 2 hours of the day when they were light, and ridge winds were moderate WNW all day. Cloud cover was 50-90% mainly cumulus and altocumulus, thickening late in the day to 100% altostratus and altocumulus, giving excellent viewing conditions. After two days of poor movement I was expecting a rush of raptors and after 17 birds had migrated between 0955 and 1055 it looked as if that was going to be the case. Subsequent movement, however, was relatively slow but steady and only one more hour, 1400-1500, saw double-figure passage with 11 birds recorded, and the last Golden Eagle went north at 1820. There was a reasonable variety of species, however, and the day’s 63 migrants comprised 4 Bald Eagles (2a,2j), 1 unaged Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 adult Northern Goshawks, 8 adult Red-tailed Hawks (6 light calurus and 2 dark harlani), 46 Golden Eagles (33a,8sa,5j) and 2 Prairie Falcons, one of which was a juvenile bird. 12.33 hours (497.2) BAEA 4 (315), SSHA 1 (7), NOGO 2 (64), RTHA 8 (26), GOEA 46 (1839), PRFA 2 (11) TOTAL 63 (2299)

Mount Lorette [Day 31] (Alan Hingston, Ron Dutcher after 1330) The temperature was -9C at 0800 and slowly climbed reaching 3C at 1800, ground winds were light W-SW and ridge winds were moderate W until 1715 when they suddenly moved to N quickly bringing cloud that obscured the ridges for the only time during the day. Cloud cover otherwise was 30-90% altocumulus, altostratus and cumulus giving good observing conditions. A total of 26 migrants were recorded between the first Golden Eagle at 1218 and the day’s only Northern Goshawk at 1657, with 17 birds moving between 1218 and 1400. The flight comprised 2 adult Bald Eagles, 1 unaged Northern Goshawk and 23 Golden Eagles (19a,1j,3u). 10.25 hours (347.1) BAEA 2 (64), NOGO 1 (17), GOEA 23 (1051) TOTAL 26 (1160)

March summary We spent a site record 30 days (+9.1%) and 354.9 hours (+18%) in the field losing only one day to bad weather (March 9) and having a further day (March 29) where weather severely disrupted movement. Despite this effort the combined species total of 2149 was by far the lowest March count of the 3 conducted here and was 14.86% below the average of the last 2 years. The deficit was entirely the result of the low Golden Eagle count of 1783 which is 406 less than the previous lowest (2008) and 18.75% below the average of the last 2 years. By contrast, counts of most other species were above average: Bald Eagle 240 (+6.19%), Northern Harrier 2 (+300%), Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 (+50%), Northern Goshawk 57 (+9.6%), Red-tailed Hawk 26 (+30%), Rough-legged Hawk 17 (+88.9%) and Prairie Falcon 9 (+38.5%).

March 30 [Day 42] (Valley View site) Yesterday’s bad weather persisted with 10 cm of fresh snow falling until 0900, and the rest of the day saw periods of light snow or flurries. The temperature rose to 2.5C from a low of -3C and periodically fell to zero or below as snow squalls swept down from the Continental Divide. Ground winds were mainly W-SW gusting to 15 km/h except during squalls when the wind reached 35 km/h, and ridge winds were moderate W all day. Cloud cover was 80-100% stratocumulus and cumulus diminishing to 70% at 1900. There was a thin movement of 8 Golden Eagles between 0950 and 1254, then nothing was seen until the day’s only Bald Eagle at 1814, after which another 8 raptors were recorded (1 adult calurus Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Rough-legged Hawk and 6 Golden Eagles) with the last going north at 1932. The 14 Golden Eagles comprised 11 adults and 3 subadults. 12.67 hours (484.9) BAEA 1 (311), RTHA 1 (18, RLHA 1 (26), GOEA 14 (1793) TOTAL 17 (2236)

Mount Lorette [Day 30] (Alan Hingston) Heavy snow persisted until 1030 when 20 cm lay on the ground. It was -5C at 0800 and was still -3C at noon, ground winds were light SW, ridge winds were moderate NW-W all day, and cloud cover was 100% stratocumulus and stratus for most of the day. After 1030 the Fisher Range remained clear, although snow showers or flurries persisted. Alan watched at the Lusk Creek site until 1100 but saw nothing, and returned to the Hay Meadow site after the snow had stopped. The first migrant raptors were 2 Golden Eagles at 1236 and movement was then slow and sporadic with 4 of the day’s 14 migrants moving between 1400 and 1500 and the last bird, a Northern Goshawk, was recorded at 1738. The flight comprised 2 Bald Eagles (1a,1j), 1 unaged Northern Goshawk and 11 Golden Eagles (8a,3u) 11 hours (336.8) BAEA 2 (62), NOGO 1 (16), GOEA 11 (1028) TOTAL 14 (1134)

March 29 [Day 41] (Valley View site) The temperature ranged from 1C to 6C and cloud cover was 100% low overcast to slightly higher stratocumulus all day, with persistent precipitation that ranged from light rain showers to heavy wet snow. The ridges were shrouded in snow for most of the day but cleared between noon and 1430 during which time the ridge winds became W strong and ground winds gusted to 30 km/h. The only raptor seen, however, was a resident Golden Eagle that made a brief cameo appearance over the Livingstone Range at 1336, and I gave up on the day at 1630. Around 1800 the ridge again completely cleared and I started to return to the site, but with 5 minutes later everything was obscured again so I returned home. 9.33 hours (472.2) No migrant raptors (2219)

Mount Lorette [Day 29] (Cliff Hansen to 1330, then Alan Hingston) The temperature reached 4C from a low of 0C, ridge winds were strong W all day and cloud cover was 100% stratus all day with the ridges only occasionally clearing. An adult male Northern Harrier hunting near the site around 1000 was the first for the season, and the only Golden Eagle movement was 5 birds (4a,1u) that moved between 1759 and 1843 before another storm moving from the north at 1850 brought the day’s proceedings to a close. 11.25 hours (325.8) NOHA 1 (1), GOEA 5 (1017) TOTAL 6 (1120)

March 28 [Day 40] (Valley View site) (Denise Coccioloni-Amatto to 1000) The temperature rose to 11C at 1200 from a low of 2C and fell rapidly after 1500 as wet snow and rain moved from the west partially obscuring the ridges for the rest of the day. Ground winds were W-WSW gusting to 60 km/h, ridge winds were W moderate to strong all day, and cloud cover went from 20-60% cirrostratus and altocumulus to 100% stratocumulus after 1300. A total of 44 migrant raptors moved between 0810 and 1431 with 33 of the birds recorded after 1200, with the last 9 birds moving north in snow and sleet after 1400. The flight comprised 9 Bald Eagles (7a,1sa,1j), 3 adult Northern Goshawks, 31 Golden Eagles (24a,2sa,2j,1u) and an unidentified eagle that was silhouetted against the sun rising above the Piitaistakis Ridge. The pair of resident Golden Eagles was soaring over the Livingstone Range at 0844 when a migrant Golden Eagle passed below them at which juncture the male resident dropped vertically on to the migrant and striking it, after which the migrant somewhat disconcertedly continued its journey to the north. 11 hours (462.9) BAEA 9 (310), NOGO 3 (62), GOEA 31 (1779), UE 1 (3) TOTAL 44 (2219)

Mount Lorette [Day 28] (Bill Wilson) The temperature briefly reached 13C at 1300 from a low of 0C and fell to 1C by 1930. Ground winds were SSW 5-20 gusting 50 km/h all day, ridge winds were SW moderate to strong and cloud cover was 5% cumulus to 1100 which thickened to 60-100% cumulus and altostratus in the afternoon. Snow flurries started at the site at 1800 with the Fisher Range substantially becoming obscured for the rest of the day. A total of 21 migrants moved between 0910 and the early time of 1542 which suggests that the ridges to the south of the site had become obscured earlier. Only eagles were seen today: 3 Bald Eagles (2a,1sa), 16 Golden Eagles (12a,2sa,1j,1u) and 2 unidentified eagles. A male Red-winged Blackbird was the first for the season. 12.5 hours (314.6) BAEA 3 (60), GOEA 16 (1012), UE 2 (10) TOTAL 21 (1114)

March 27 [Day 39] (Valley View site) (Bill Wilson) The day’s temperature high of 9C was not reached until 1800, rising from a low of 2C, ground winds that gusted to 50 km/h were variable until 1500 after which they were WSW to SSW and ridge winds were W moderate to strong all day. Cloud cover was mainly 50-100% altostratus and cumulus to 1500 after which the altostratus became very thin allowing sunny conditions for the first time, and observing conditions were excellent all day. The season’s earliest migrant so far was an adult Golden Eagle at 0758 and thereafter movement was fairly steady all day increasing after 1300 and peaking at 19 birds between 1600 and 1700, with the last Golden Eagle, a juvenile bird, moving north at 1831. The Bald Eagle passing at 1707 was the 300th of the season. The flight comprised 7 Bald Eagles (6a,1j), 4 adult Northern Goshawks, 1 unaged light morph Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Rough-legged Hawks (1 light, 1 dark) and 61 Golden Eagles (46a,10sa,4j,1u). Other migrants included 8 swans of unknown species, a probable California Gull and the season’s first Common Merganser [species # 47] and cismontanus Dark-eyed Junco. 14.33 hours (451.9) BAEA 7 (301), NOGO 4 (59), RTHA 1 (17), RLHA 2 (25), GOEA 61 (1748) TOTAL 75 (2175)

Mount Lorette [Day 27] (Ron Dutcher and Cliff Hansen) The temperature reached 8C from a low of 1C, ground winds were 5-10 gusting 15 km/h for most of the day, ridge winds were SW moderate to strong all day and cloud cover was 100-30% thin altostratus and altocumulus all day. Despite the excellent viewing conditions only 18 migrant Golden Eagles (15a,3u) were recorded, the first 2 at 0906 but the second 2 birds did not appear until after 1400 and the last went north at 1824. 11.75 hours (302.1) GOEA 18 (996) TOTAL 18 (1093)

March 26 [Day 38] (Valley View site) (Dawn Hall after 1440) The temperature rose to a high of 10C from 2C, ground winds were mainly W-SE gusting 40 km/h in mid afternoon becoming light after 1800, ridge winds were moderate to strong W-WNW all day and cloud cover ranged from 100-50% cumulus, altostratus, altocumulus, cirrostratus and cirrus giving excellent observing conditions all day. A total of 90 migrant raptors moved between 0916 and 1858 with 22 of the birds recorded between 1700 and 1800. The 8 adult Northern Goshawks equaled yesterday’s high count for the season and the 7 adult Red-tailed Hawks (7 light calurus and 2 dark harlani) was the highest count so far. Other raptors were 7 Bald Eagles (4a,1sa,2j), 1 light morph Rough-legged Hawk, 64 Golden Eagles (62a,2sa), 2 unidentified eagles and 1 Prairie Falcon. 12.33 hours (437.5) BAEA 7 (294), NOGO 8 (55), RTHA 7 (16), RLHA 1 (23), GOEA 64 (1687), UE 2 (2), PRFA 1 (9) TOTAL 90 (2100)

Mount Lorette [Day 26] (Brian McBride) The temperature rose to a high of 9C at 1600 from a low of -1C, ground winds were SW 10-15 gusting 30 km/h for most of the day, ridge winds were SW moderate to strong all day and cloud cover was initially 100% stratocumulus dwindling to 5% cumulus after 1700. A total of 20 migrant raptors moved between 1138 and 1611 with 7 recorded between 1300 and 1400, and the flight comprised 3 Bald Eagles (2a,1sa), an unidentified dark Buteo and 16 Golden Eagles (14a,2sa). Two Wood Ducks that landed on the Kananaskis River were the first for the season. 11.67 hours (290.3) BAEA 3 (57), UB 1 (2), GOEA 16 (978) TOTAL 20 (1075)

March 25 [Day 37] (Valley View site) A cloudless sky at 0700 allowed the temperature to fall to -6C but it quickly rose reaching 13C at 1500 and was still 7C at 1900. Ground winds were light generally W-SW until 1400 after which they occasionally gusted to 25 km/h but also included periods of calm, and ridge winds appeared to be moderate SW-W all day. After a cloudless start, altocumulus and small lenticular clouds formed with thin cirrostratus giving hazy sunshine, and after 1500 the cloud thickened to 100% altostratus giving a rather gloomy end to the day, but observing conditions were good to excellent all day. Calm conditions again ensured that there was no early raptor movement with the first bird, a Golden Eagle, not recorded until 0959 and the early dynamic was similar to yesterday’s late movement with birds soaring near or over Bluff Mountain to the west before gliding north. Morning migration peaked between 1100 and 1200 at 23 birds, and in the early afternoon 29 birds were seen between 1300 and 1400, but thereafter movement slowed but was reasonably steady until 1924 when the last Golden Eagle went north. The combined species total of 122 is the 3rd highest of the season so far, and involved 8 species of raptor which is the highest number so far, and the Golden Eagle passing at 1804 was the 2000th migrant raptor of the season. The flight comprised 5 Bald Eagles (2a,2sa), 1 adult female Northern Harrier, 2 unaged Sharp-shinned Hawks, a season high 8 Northern Goshawks (7a,1u), 2 adult Red-tailed Hawks (1 light calurus, 1 dark harlani), 1 light morph Rough-legged Hawk, 101 Golden Eagles (86a,12sa,2j,1u) and 2 Prairie Falcons. A flock of 20 Tundra Swans flew spectacularly overhead at 1312 and a total of 58 Canada Geese flew very high to the east over the Livingstone Range in 2 flocks. 12.58 hours (425.2) BAEA 5 (287), NOHA 1 (2), NOGO 8 (47), RTHA 2 (9), RLHA 1 (22), GOEA 101 (1623), PRFA 2 (8) TOTAL 122 (2010)

Mount Lorette [Day 25] (Joel Duncan) The temperature rose to a high of 11C at 1600 from a low of -2C at 1000, ground winds were calm to noon and SW 5-10 km/h in the afternoon, ridge winds were W light to1300 then light to moderate, and cloud cover was initially 10% cirrus increasing to 80% cirrostratus and altostratus by 1600. A total of 45 raptors migrated between a Golden Eagle at 1212 and 2 Golden Eagles at 1947 (the latest migrants yet at either site) with 15 of the day’s 34 Golden Eagles moving between 1500 and 1600 which included a single kettle of 8 birds soaring over Mount Allen to the west. The flight comprised 7 adult Bald Eagles, 34 Golden Eagles (22a,1sa,11u), 3 unaged Northern Goshawks and 1 large unidentified raptor. 10 hours (278.7) BAEA 7 (54), NOGO 3 (15), GOEA 34 (962), UU 1 (1) TOTAL 45 (1055)

March 24 [Day 36] (Valley View site) Ground winds were variable and light until 1400 after which they were mainly SW-SSW occasionally gusting to 15 km/h, and ridge winds were initially light W but after 1430 became light E which brought upslope cloud that first partially draped the Livingstone Range then obscured the top of Turtle Mountain and part of Bluff Mountain to the west. The temperature rose to 9C at 1300 from a morning low of 2C, and then fell steadily to 0C at 1900 after the passage of a cold front around 1430. Cloud cover was 80-100% stratus, cirrostratus and cumulus becoming thicker stratocumulus after 1300. After yesterday’s raptor rush I was expecting a continuation today but the calm conditions in the morning meant that the first Golden Eagle was not seen until 1135 and steady moment did not start until 1231 when 4 Golden eagles moved north together. Movement was slow but steady along the Livingstone Ridge until upslope cloud developed in mid afternoon, after which birds moved slowly with much soaring above the valley or above Bluff Mountain to the west, with the last bird, a Rough-legged Hawk, flying north into cloud on Bluff Mountain at 1909. Maximum movement was 24 birds between 1600 and 1700 which included 20 Golden Eagles many of which soared and flew low to the north overhead giving amazing views of the birds. An adult male Northern Harrier hunting near the site at 1433 [species #46] was almost certainly a migrant, and was one day earlier than the previous early record at the site in 2008, and one of the day’s 4 Red-tailed Hawks was an adult dark morph Harlan’s Hawk, which was also a season first. The 65 Golden Eagles counted comprised 58 adults, 5 subadults, and 2 birds of unknown age that disappeared into cloud. Non-raptor movement was thin but included a flock of 7 American Robins, a single California Gull flying north at 1530 and an unidentified swallow flying at 1315. 12.5 hours (412.6) BAEA 2 (282), NOHA 1 (1), NOGO 5 (39), RTHA 4 (7), RLHA 2 (21), GOEA 65 (1552) TOTAL 79 (1888)

Mount Lorette [Day 24] (Cliff Hansen) The temperature rose from -3C to 4C at 1200, then fell to 0C at 1300 after the passage of a cold front and was -4C at 1900. Ground winds were light W or calm in the morning, then E-NE 5-10 gusting 20 km/h in the afternoon, while ridge winds were also mainly light NW becoming NE in the afternoon. There was extensive upslope fog east of the mountains and some seeped into the Kananaskis Valley in the afternoon, but the ridges remained clear all day. Cloud cover was 100% stratocumulus and cumulus to 1500 after which it gradually diminished to 0% late in the day. A total of 59 raptors migrated steadily if slowly between 0841 and 1927, and as at P-SL many of the birds moved along the western ridges. The flight comprised 3 Bald Eagles (2a,1sa), 1 unknown large Accipiter (probably a goshawk), 2 adult light morph calurus Red-tailed Hawks and 53 Golden Eagles (36a,1sa,1u). Passerine migrants included about 30 American Robins and 20 European Starlings. 12.33 hours (268.7) BAEA 3 (47), UA 1 (1), RTHA 2 6), GOEA 53 (928) TOTAL 59 (1010)

March 23 [Day 35] (Valley View site) The temperature was -2C at 0715 but gradually rose to a high of 8.5C at 1600 and was still 4C at 1900. Ground winds were mainly N-NW gusting 25 km/h to1300 when they switched to SW gusting 20-35 km/h for the rest of the day, and ridge winds were moderate WNW except between 1300 and 1730 when they were moderate to strong. It was cloudless at first but cumulus and cirrostratus cloud gradually increased reaching 100% between 1200 and 1430, but was otherwise 40-70% giving excellent observing conditions all day. A season high total of 259 raptors of 7 species (also a season high) moved steadily between 0844 and 1909 with peak movement between 1600 and 1700 of 57 birds. The count included season high totals for Bald Eagle (29: 21a,6sa,2j), Northern Goshawk (4a), Red-tailed Hawk (2a calurus light morph birds), Golden Eagle (218: 210a,7sa,1j) and columbarius Merlin (3: 2 adults, male and female, and 1u) which were the first for the season, 6 days later than the average first record, and the 45th bird species recorded so far. The totals for combined species, Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle were all the 3rd highest daily spring counts ever at the site. The only other migrants were a flock of 6 California Gulls flying high to the east at 1854. The newly designed RMERF website was launched today and can be checked out at www.eaglewatch.ca as before. Many thanks to RMERF Director David Thomas for producing this splendid piece of work. 12.42 (400.1) BAEA 29 (280), SSHA 1 (4), NOGO 4 (34), RTHA 2 (3), RLHA 2 (19), GOEA 218 (1457), MERL 3 (3) TOTAL 259 (1809)

Mount Lorette [Day 23] (Brian McBride) The temperature rose to 5C at 1600 from a low of -6C, ground winds were S-SW 10-15 gusting 30 km/h all day, ridge winds were moderate NW and cloud cover was 10% cumulus in the morning increasing to 50% at noon before gradually decreasing to 5% at the end of the day. The first migrant raptor was an unidentified Buteo at 0837, but the first Golden Eagle didn’t appear until 1112 and subsequent movement was steady with a minor peak of 19 birds between 1300 and 1400, but 51 of the day’s 110 birds were seen after 1800 and of those 30 moved between 1900 and 1937. The total of 106 Golden Eagles (99a,2sa,5u) was the 3rd highest of the season so far, and the only other migrants were 3 Bald Eagles (2a,1sa). 12.67 hours (256.3) BAEA 3 (44), UB 1 (1), GOEA 106 (875) TOTAL 110 (951)

March 22 [Day 34] (Valley View site) It was a strange day’s weather with light snow falling and the ridges partially obscured to 0930 after which the ridges quickly cleared and 100% stratocumulus cloud gave way to 60-80% cumulus and cirrus. Ground winds were mainly SW gusting to 30 km/h and ridge winds were moderate WNW until 1440 when they switched to the east and cloud progressively obscured the ridges again with snow starting to fall after 1445. The temperature briefly reached a high of 9.5C at 1400 from a morning low of 1C, but then rapidly dropped and was only 1.5C at 1700, and I gave up on the day at 1730. Golden Eagles started to move soon after the ridges cleared with the first 2 going north at 1046 and by noon 11 birds had migrated raising hopes for at least a reasonable count. Afternoon movement however proved to be slow and sporadic and the only bird seen after 1500 was the season’s first Red-tailed Hawk [species #44], a light morph adult calurus that occurred 3 days later than the average date of the last 2 years. The final count was only 24 birds, comprising 2 adult Bald Eagles, 1 adult Northern Goshawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk and 20 Golden Eagles (19a,1sa). The resident pair of Golden Eagles was quite conspicuous for much of the day, with the male displaying at times, and at 1423 copulation was observed as the birds perched on a pinnacle high on the Livingstone Ridge. A male Mountain Bluebird [#42] at 0811 was a first for the season, as was an American Crow [#43] at 0916. 10.25 hours (387.7) BAEA 2 (251), NOGO 1 (30), RTHA 1 (1), GOEA 20 (1239) TOTAL 24 (1550)

Mount Lorette [Day 22] (George Halmazna) The day was characterised by repeated snow flurries moving from the west, during which winds gusted up to 30 km/h and the temperature was reduced by up to 3C. Between flurries ground winds were generally light NW as were ridge winds except during flurries when they were moderate. The temperature ranged from -3C to a high of 7C at 1600, and cloud cover between flurries was 50-90% cumulus giving excellent viewing conditions. The first migrant raptor was the day’s only Northern Goshawk at 1019, but the first of the day’s 44 adult Golden Eagles did not appear until 1244 and the last moved at 1707. Eagle movement was very sporadic, however, with 18 birds moving 1200-1300 and again between 1400 and 1500 and only 8 more outside those two hours. 12.5 hours (243.7) NOGO 1 (12), GOEA 44 (769) TOTAL 45 (841)

March 21 [Day 33] (Valley View site) It was a high wind day with ground winds W-SW gusting 30-50 km/h for most of the day, and ridge winds strong W except between 1300 and 1530 when they eased slightly to moderate to strong. The temperature reached a high of 9.5C at 1500 from a morning low of 5C and fell to 4C at 1900. Cloud cover was 100% for much of the day, mainly altostratus and cumulus which provided an excellent backdrop against which to find high-flying birds which most of today’s migrants were. The day started promisingly enough with 6 Golden Eagles moving between 0821 and 0839, but by noon only 11 more migrants had been counted. The pace of migration increased in the afternoon, however, peaking at 22 birds between 1300 and 1400, but decreased again after 1400 before finishing with a bit of a flourish with 15 birds passing between 1800 and 1854 when the last Golden Eagle went north. Both the combined species total of 88 and Golden Eagle total of 77 (76a,1sa) are well below average for this time of year, especially considering today’s apparently favourable migratory conditions. Other migrants were 7 Bald Eagles (6a,1 late sa), 2 adult Northern Goshawks and 2 light morph Rough-legged Hawks. 12.25 hours (37.5) BAEA 7 (249), NOGO 2 (29), RLHA 2 (17), GOEA 77 (1219) TOTAL 88 (1562)

Mount Lorette [Day 21] (Bill Wilson) The temperature reached 10C from a low of 2C and fell to 1C at the end of the count. Ground winds were SW-WSW 5-20 gusting 30+ km/h throughout the day, and ridge winds were WSW moderate to strong in the morning becoming moderate after noon. Cloud cover was initially 100% diminishing to a low of 30% and increasing again to 90% by the end of the day. The only migrant raptor was Golden Eagle with 95 (89a,1sa,3j,2u) birds moving, usually high towards the NW and often rising above cumulus cloud developed along the Fisher Range. The total is the 3rd highest Golden Eagle count of the season at the site so far this season. 12.67 hours (231.2) GOEA 95 (725) TOTAL 95 (796)

March 20 [Day 32] (Valley View site) It was a cold morning although the temperature ranged from 0C at 0715 to 4C at noon ground winds were N-NE gusting to 35 km/h which made viewing uncomfortable. In the afternoon ground winds changed to NW then W-SW rarely above 15 km/h and the temperature rose to a much more pleasant 9C between 1500 and 1830. Ridge winds were WNW moderate to strong all day, and cloud cover was 60-100% cirrostratus, cirrus, altostratus and altocumulus allowing hazy sunshine all day and providing excellent observing conditions. A total of 109 migrant raptors moved between 0840 and 1905, with momentum picking up after 1500 and peaking between 1600 and 1700 with 18 birds. Most birds moved singly and high along the Livingstone ridge and the flight comprised 10 Bald Eagles (4a,3sa,3j), 1 adult Northern Goshawk and 98 Golden Eagles (93a,4sa,1j). Although Golden Eagle movement has been fairly steady, we should be getting 200+ birds a day at this stage of the migration, especially considering the mainly favourable weather conditions that we have been experiencing. The day’s amazing bird was a Tree Swallow [species #41] that flew fairly low overhead to the north at 1740. Today may be the first day of spring but this bird is ridiculously early and may well be the earliest swallow ever recorded in Alberta. The earliest Tree Swallows that have occurred at the Lorette site is March 28, and the earliest swallow I have recorded there is Violet-green Swallows on March 25, 1993 (a date best remembered for the record spring passage of 849 Golden Eagles: those were the days!). 12.25 hours (365.2) BAEA 10 (242), NOGO 1 (27), GOEA 98 (1142) TOTAL 109 (1438)

Mount Lorette [Day 20] (Brian McBride) The temperature rose to 8C from a low of -6C, ground winds were SW 5-10 km/h to 1500 after which they gusted to 30-40 km/h, ridge winds were W moderate to 1100 and strong after, and cloud cover was 90% cirrostratus reducing to 50% at 1300 and after to 10-20% altostratus providing a lot of blue sky to search in the afternoon. It was again a disappointing count with only 17 migrants: 15 Golden Eagles and 2 unidentified eagles, moving between 0829 and 1416, with 8 of the Golden Eagles recorded between 1300 and 1330. A closely observed Bohemian Waxwing retaining its juvenile plumage this late in the year is noteworthy. 11.16 hours (218.5) GOEA 15 (630), UE 2 (8) TOTAL 17 (701)

March 19 [Day 31] (Valley View site) It was initially a pleasant morning with a temperature of -7C at 0800, light WSW winds and with all ridges clear. Snow, however, started to fall at 0820 and low cloud obscured all the ridges until the snow stopped at 1320. Subsequently cumulus cloud that diminished from 70 to 20% generally gave excellent viewing conditions, and mainly sunny skies allowed the temperature to rise to 2C between 1400 and 1630. Ground winds were light SW-WSW all day and ridge winds were light only becoming light to moderate late in the afternoon. Because of the snow, the first migrant Golden Eagle did not appear until 1337, but movement quickly became strong peaking at 26 birds between 1400 and 1500 and 34 between 1500 and 1600, with the last 2 Bald Eagles soaring high before gliding to the north at 1910. Because of the light winds birds often soared for fairly long periods and moved relatively slowly and often below the ridge-lines. The total of 18 Bald Eagles (13a,1sa,4j) equaled the previous high count for this season, and the combined species total of 112 is the second highest for the season so far. The total of 92 Golden Eagles comprised 82 adults, 7 subadults and 3 juveniles, which is the highest percentage of immature birds recorded so far, and the bird recorded at 1532 was the 1000th migrant Golden Eagle of the season. There was no apparent non-raptor movement, but there seemed to have been an influx of American Robins overnight with 35 recorded around the site. 12 hours (353) BAEA 18 (323), NOGO 2 (26), GOEA 92 (1044) TOTAL 112 (1329)

Mount Lorette [Day 19] (Brian McBride) Weather conditions were somewhat better here with the temperature reaching 4C from a low of -8C, the snow ceasing at 0900 and the subsequent valley fog dissipating after1000. All ridges were obscured to 0900 then the Fisher Range cleared to 50% by noon and was clear in the afternoon. Ground winds were light N in the morning, becoming W gusting to 15-20 km/h in the afternoon, and ridge winds were NW light in the morning and moderate to strong in the afternoon. Cloud cover was 100% stratocumulus in the morning thinning to 40% cumulus at 1200, diminishing to 0% after 1500 with some thin cirrus moving in late in the day. Despite the apparently good migration and observing conditions in the afternoon, only a disappointing total of 20 birds were recorded between 1213 and 1904, the flight comprising 1 adult Bald Eagle, 18 Golden Eagles (13a,3sa,2u) and 1 unidentified eagle that soared high into a cloud. 11.58 hours (207.3) BAEA 1 (41), GOEA 18 (615), UE 1 (6) TOTAL 20 (684)

March 18 [Day 30] (Valley View site) The temperature rose to 3C at 1200 then fell to -2C at 1500 as heavy snow fell, recovered to 0C at 1800 and was -1C at 1900. Ground winds were generally light W to noon then NE to variable after, and ridge winds were WNW light to moderate to around 1330 when they switched to NE. Initial cloud cover was 5% altocumulus but it quickly thickened to 100% altostratus, then stratocumulus as the first light snow began at 1216 which became moderate to heavy wet snow (3 cm fresh) between 1500 and 1700. Ridges were obscured between 1400 and 1730 but then cleared until 1845 when fresh snowfall obscured everything again and I gave up on the day at 1910. Light winds meant that there was no early raptor movement and the first Golden Eagles that moved north between 1025 and 1056 were very low and unable to get any lift. A slight freshening of the wind from the west after 1100, however, immediately led to a strong movement of Golden Eagles along the Piitaistakis Ridge with 40 birds going north before noon, which is the highest hourly count so far this season. This movement quickly faded, however and only 20 more Golden Eagles were counted with the last moving north at 1405 as the last of the ridges were disappearing under low cloud and snow. Only 1 Bald Eagle at 1814 took advantage of the brief clearing during the evening, so after one splendid hour the day’s final count of 2 adult Bald Eagles, 1 juvenile Northern Goshawk and 62 adult Golden Eagles was disappointing. A flock of 32 unidentified swans flew high to the east at 1224 as did a flock of 34 Canada Geese at 1310, and a total of 80 European Starlings in two flocks moved north before the snow started. 11.67 hours (341) BAEA 2 (214), NOGO 1 (24), GOEA 62 (952) TOTAL 65 (1217)

Mount Lorette [Day 18] (Joel Duncan) The temperature only varied between -2C and 0C, ground winds were N 5-10 gusting 20 km/h and ridge winds were N-NE light to moderate. Cloud cover was mainly 100% stratocumulus and cumulus occasionally reducing to 60% with the ridges cloud covered between 100 and 50% except between 1400 and 1600 when the eastern ridges completely cleared. Snow showers persisted all day lasting up to 30 minutes, although there was no significant accumulation on the ground. The only migrant raptor was a juvenile Bald Eagle moving over Hummingbird Plume Hill at 1222, but the first American Crow and Song Sparrow of the season at the site were seen, and 228 Bohemian Waxwings enlivened what was otherwise a dull day. At 1630 Joel moved east to the Lusk Creek site, but conditions were no better there and he called it a day at 1900. 10 hours (195.7) BAEA 1 (40) TOTAL 1 (664)

March 17 [Day 29] (Valley View site) It was a strange day of weather with a morning temperature low of 3C that fell to 1.5C at 1100 during a period of snow flurries, rose to a high of 9.5C at 1400, fell to 0C during a period of wet snow at 1600, rose again to 5C before falling to 2.5C at 1900. Ground winds were W-SW all day gusting close to 70 km/h early in the morning and gradually moderating throughout the day, and ridge winds were strong W to 1600 after which they became moderate. Cloud cover was 100-30% cumulus with stratocumulus periodically moving east from the Continental Divide and partially obscuring the ridges in snow squalls, and between 1525 and 1610 a period of wet snow completely obscured all the ridges. Not surprisingly raptor movement was slow in getting underway with the first Golden Eagle not appearing until 1021 and by 1300 only 5 birds had gone north. Movement gradually increased throughout the afternoon with 37 of the days 69 migrants occurring after 1700, including 7 of the day’s Bald Eagles. Only eagles moved today with the flight comprising 9 adult Bald Eagles and 60 adult Golden Eagles. At 1627 the two resident Golden Eagles copulated on the high point of the ridge and remained perched side-by-side for 6 minutes until the next migrant Golden Eagle moved north just below them at which point the male rose high, displayed vigorously and escorted the migrant to the north for several hundred metres. 12.16 hours (329.3) BAEA 9 (212), GOEA 60 (890) TOTAL 69 (1152)

Mount Lorette [Day 17] (Cliff Hansen) Mount Lorette avoided the snow and the temperature was 0C until 1100, rose to 4C at 1400 and gradually fell to 2C at 1800. Ground winds were W-SW 5-10 km/h all day, gusting to 25 km/h up to 1100, ridge winds were strong SW-W becoming moderate after 1700, and cloud cover was 90-30% cumulus giving good observing conditions all day. The only migrants were again eagles with 3 adult Bald Eagles and 70 Golden Eagles (50a,3j,17u) moving between 1006 and 1728, with most birds moving high above the Fisher Range until the late afternoon when they moved high overhead above the central part of the Kananaskis Valley. A total of 104 Canada Geese also migrated high to the NE and E in 5 flocks. 10 hours (185.7) BAEA 3 (39), GOEA 70 (597) TOTAL 73 (663)

March 16 [Day 28] (Valley View site) The maximum temperature of 14C reached at 1800 was a new high for the season, rising from 2C at 0900 and only falling to 9.5C by 1950. Ground winds were initially light but after 1100 were WNW-SW regularly gusting to 30 km/h and occasionally to 60 km/h and ridge winds were W moderate becoming moderate to strong in the afternoon. Cloud cover was initially 70% cirrostratus and cirrus but after 1100 rapidly thickening altostratus developed, quickly reaching 100% and forming an arch, providing a rather gloomy day until it thinned again after 1880. Generally observing conditions were good to excellent and the light was particularly crystalline after 1700. Raptor migration started early with the first Golden Eagle seen at 0812 and 5 more heading north before 0900. Between 1100 and 1600, however, movement was relatively thin and it looked like another pedestrian day was in the offing. After 1600, however, there was strong movement peaking at 43 birds moving between 1700 and 1800 with the last going north at 1914. The Golden Eagle at 1629 was the 1000th raptor of the season and the Bald Eagle at 1736 was the 200th of the season. The combined species total of 144 is the highest of the season so far, as is the Golden Eagle total of 128 (125a,2sa,1j). The first 3 hours of the day were particularly spring-like and brought the season’s first calling Dusky Grouse [#39] and American Robin [#40] and also most of the season-high count of 27 bird species. Woodpeckers were particularly active with Hairy, Downy, American Three-toed and Pileated persistently drumming, usually with pairs “duetting”. Waterfowl moving high to the east over the ridge included a single flock of 25 unidentified swans and 68 Canada Geese in 6 separate flocks. 12.33 hours (317.1) BAEA 13 (203), NOGO 1 (23), UA 1 (1), RLHA 1 (15), GOEA 128 (830) TOTAL 144 (1033)

Mount Lorette [Day 16] (Brian McBride) The temperature also reached 14C from a low of -4C, ground winds were mainly S-SE 10-15 gusting 30 km/h while ridge winds were probably W moderate to strong and cloud cover was 60-70% altostratus and cirrostratus all day giving excellent observing conditions. Raptor movement was a disappointing 22 birds that occurred between 0807 and 1709 with maximum movement of only 5 birds between 1600 and 1700. The flight comprised 1 adult Bald Eagle and 21 Golden Eagles (19a,1sa,1u). 11.08 hours (175.7) BAEA 1 (36), GOEA 21 (527) TOTAL 22 (590)

March 15 [Day 27] (Valley View site) A seasonal temperature high of 11.5C was reached at 1500 from a low of 3C and it was still 7.5C at 1900. Ground winds were variable, but mainly N and W-SW generally 10-15 km/h but occasionally gusting as high as 35 km/h, and ridge winds were moderate W to 1800 after which they became light to moderate. Cloud cover was 90-100% lenticular, altostratus and cirrostratus to 1300 after which it was mainly 100% thin cirrostratus and cirrus that diminished to 40-60% after 1800, all of which gave excellent viewing conditions. Considering the conditions and the time of year the combined species count of 75 was again disappointing, with birds moving steadily between 0919 and 1924 and with a maximum passage between 1700 and 1800 of only 16 birds. The flight comprised 8 Bald Eagles (4a,3sa,1j), 1 unaged Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 adult Northern Goshawks, 63 Golden Eagles (61a,2sa) and a Prairie Falcon. On a more positive note this is actually the first time we have seen any raptors at the site on this date as bad weather has prevented movement on each of the previous two years. Single Great Horned, Barred and Northern Pygmy-Owls all called or sang at various times of the day. 12.08 hours (304.8) BAEA 8 (190), SSHA 1 (3), NOGO 2 (22) GOEA 63 (702), PRFA 1 (6) TOTAL 75 (939)

Mount Lorette [Day 15] (George Halmazna) Weather conditions at Lorette were similar with the temperature also reaching a high of 11.5 from a low of -2C, ground winds were light to calm in the morning becoming light to moderate SW-SSW in the afternoon gusting to 20 km/h, and 28 km/h after 1600, and ridge winds were also light to moderate. Cloud cover was 100% cirrostratus for much of the day thinning in the afternoon down to 30% cirrus and cirrostratus providing excellent viewing conditions all day. The combined species total was twice that of the P-SL count at 150, which is the highest for either site this season, and of this total 146 were Golden Eagles (134a,8sa,4u) which is also a new high for the season. Birds moved between 0844 and 1811 and maximum movement was between 1300 and 1400. 12.16 hours (164.7) BAEA 3 (35), NOGO 1 (11), GOEA 146 (506) TOTAL 150 (568)

March 14 [Day 26] (Valley View site) (Denise Cocciolone-Amatto to 1500) Change to Mountain Daylight Time (one hour forward), all previous times were given in Mountain Standard Time. It was -5C at 0800, but rose to 7C at 1400 and was still 4C at 1900. Ground winds were very variable, calm or light to noon then gusting to 20 km/h in the afternoon, and ridge winds were SW light becoming moderate in the afternoon. It was cloudless in the morning after which between 30 and 100% cirrus and cirrostratus cloud developed giving mainly excellent observing conditions. Raptor movement was slow to 1400 with the first Golden Eagle not appearing until 1028, but subsequently the pace became fairly steady with only one hour (1700-1800) reaching 10 birds and the last Golden Eagle went north at 1910. The flight was dominated by Golden Eagles (48a,1sa) and only 4 Bald Eagles (2a,1sa,1j) were seen. The highlight, however, was the season’s first Ferruginous Hawk, an adult light morph bird, that went north at 1742 that was the earliest ever seen at the site by 5 days. The only passerine migrants were a flock of 26 Bohemian Waxwings, and a Townsend’s Solitaire was only the second record of the season. At 1645 a probable California Gull [#37] soared high over the Livingstone Ridge furnishing a first March record for the site. 12.08 hours (292.7) BAEA 4 (182), UA 1 (1), FEHA 1 (1), GOEA 49 (639), PRFA 1 (5) TOTAL 56 (864)

Mount Lorette [Day 14] (Bill Wilson) It was a cooler day at Lorette where the temperature at 0715 was -12C, but it rose to 6C at 1400 before falling at the end of the day to -3C. Ground winds were SW 5-10 gusting 15-20 km/h, ridge winds were moderate W, and it was cloudless to noon with 30-90% cirrus clod developing in the afternoon reaching 100% late in the day. Movement was very slow in the morning with the first of the day’s 78 Golden Eagles appearing at 0846, but it quickened in the afternoon peaking at 24 (2 Bald Eagles and 22 Golden Eagles) between 1300 and 1400. All migrants were eagles, that also included 8 Bald Eagles (6a,2sa) 12.5 hours (152.5) BAEA 8 (32), GOEA 78 (360), UE 1 (5) TOTAL 87 (418)

March 13 [Day 25] (Valley View site) (Bill Wilson) The temperature reached a high of 6C at noon from a low of 2C, Ground winds were variable in the morning, gusting to 30 km/h and became steady S in the afternoon again gusting to 30 km/h, ridge winds were mainly moderate WNW all day and cloud cover was 60-100% cumulus, altostratus and cirrus giving a good observing backdrop all day. Six raptors (1 Bald Eagle and 5 Golden Eagles) moved before 0800, but by noon the total was only 17. Movement was steady throughout the afternoon, however, peaking at 28 between 1500 and 1600, and for the first time in several days no birds were seen after 1800. With the exception of 1 Prairie Falcon all migrants were eagles with 12 Bald Eagles (10a,2j) and 84 Golden Eagles (81a,3j). Non-raptor migrants included 12 unidentified (silent) swans and 2 Canada Geese flying high to the east and 60 Grey-crowned Rosy-Finches and a total of 21 Pine Grosbeaks flying high to the north. A briefly singing Varied Thrush was the 36th bird species for the season. BAEA 12 (178), GOEA 84 (590), PRFA 1 (4) TOTAL 97 (808)

Mount Lorette [Day 13] (Ron Dutcher) Ridges were obscured so Ron observed at Lusk Creek until noon when the cloud front moved to the east, after which he relocated to the Mount Lorette (Hay Meadow) site, where the temperature reached 3C between 1400 and 1600. surface winds at Lusk Creek were light, and at Lorette they were W to SW gusting to 20 km/h and moderate at ridge level. Cloud cover in the afternoon was 60% cumulus becoming cloudless after 1600 and the Fisher range ridge finally completely cleared after 1300. Lusk Creek yielded 12 Golden Eagles, 11 of which occurred between 1000 and 1100 and 1 at 1115, while 3 occurred at Lorette. Two birds flying high to the north periodically disappearing into the base of clouds were identified as Red-tailed Hawks. 9 hours (140), RTHA 2 (4), GOEA 15 (282) TOTAL 17 (331)

March 12 [Day 24] (Valley View site) (Dawn Hall after 1500) It was a warm day with the temperature rising to 11C at 1300 from a low of 3C, ground winds were mainly SW steadily increasing in velocity peaking at 25-30 gusting 35 km/h at 1500 after which they diminished to light by 1800, and ridge winds were moderate and occasionally strong WSW all day. Cloud cover varied between 60 and 100% cumulus, altostratus and cirrus giving good observing conditions all day. Raptor movement started relatively late with the first adult Golden Eagle going north at 0830, and after 1000 migration was steady until the last bird, a juvenile Bald Eagle, disappeared to the north at 1754. Maximum movement was 24 birds (1 Bald Eagle and 23 Golden Eagle) between1600 and 1700, and the flight comprised 12 Bald Eagles (11a,1j), 3 adult Northern Goshawks and 85 adult Golden Eagles. At 1027 the two resident Golden Eagles soared together over Morin Peak before descending to a pinnacle where they were observed copulating for the first time this season. At 0800 a Common Raven gave a very credible imitation of a Golden Eagle display flight over the part of the ridge where eagles often display, but being a raven it could not resisted embellishing the downward sweep of the flight with spiraling twists. An American Three-toed Woodpecker [#34] and a calling Spruce Grouse [#35] were both new for the season, and the only non-raptor migrants were a flock of 7 Canada Geese flying high towards the east over the Livingstone Ridge. 11.58 hours (268.6) BAEA 12 (166), NOGO 3 (20), GOEA 85 (506) TOTAL 100 (711)

Mount Lorette [Day 12] (George Halmazna) The temperature only ranged between -1C and 4C. All ridges were obscured by snow until 0900 after which the Fisher Range cleared to 30% obscured, but when at 1200 rain obscured the ridges for the rest of the day the observers decided to move to the Lusk Creek site. Only 2 migrant Golden Eagles had been seen at Lorette but a season-high127 were counted at Lusk Creek with 56 occurring between 1600 and 1700. The birds had almost certainly been deflected to the east by the weather, and the Golden Eagle total of 129 is the highest daily count at either site so far this season. BAEA 2 (24), NOGO 1 (10), RLHA 1 (6), GOEA 129 (267) TOTAL 133 (314)

March 11 [Day 23] (Valley View site) Ridge winds were strong W all day and ground winds were N-SW gusting on occasion to 60 km/h making the temperature, that ranged from -3C to 4C, feel much colder. Cloud cover was 30-100% altostratus, altocumulus, cumulus and cirrus providing an excellent backdrop for birds that moved north at considerable height during the early afternoon. The first migrant raptor was a Golden Eagle at 0718 and by 0813 a further 8 Golden Eagles and a Prairie Falcon had moved north. The pace of migration then slowed somewhat until 1300 after which it increased again peaking at 20 birds between 1500 and 1600, but unlike yesterday there was no late movement and the last bird, a Bald Eagle, moved north at1801. All 9 Bald Eagles were adults, and the 84 Golden Eagles comprised 83 adults and 1 subadult. The only songbird movement was 43 Bohemian Waxwings flying high to the north in 2 flocks. 11.58 hours (257.1) BAEA 9 (154), NOGO 1 (17), GOEA 84 (421), PRFA 1 (3) TOTAL 95 (611)

Mount Lorette [Day 11] (Joel Duncan) Weather conditions were similar with the temperature rising to 4C from a low at 0900 of -2C, ground winds were SW 20-30 gusting 60 km/h and ridge winds were strong W-SW all day. Cloud cover was a mixture of altostratus, cumulus and cirrus thinning to 10% at 1500 but rapidly thickened to 100% stratocumulus at 1700 bringing snow and obscuring the eastern ridges which had hitherto been clear. Unlike Piitaistakis, however, raptor movement was thin with the first migrant not seen until 1328 and when the last Golden Eagle went north at 1701 only 7 birds had been tallied: 1 adult Bald Eagle, 2 light morph Rough-legged Hawks and 4 Golden Eagles (2a,1j,1u). An impaled headless chickadee showed that the Northern Shrike is still active around the Hay Meadow. 9 hours (118.8) BAEA 1 (22), RLHA 2 (5), GOEA 4 (138) TOTAL 7 (181)

March 10 [Day 22] (Valley View site) Cold air persisted today despite the sunny conditions with the temperature only rising to 2C between 1600 and 1730 from a low of -5C. Ground winds varied from NW to SW 5-20 km/h to 1140 when they strengthened gusting 25-35 km/h until 1700 when they became light, and ridge winds were moderate to strong WNW to 1700 after which they were light to moderate. Cloud cover started at 70% stratocumulus, cumulus, cirrus and altocumulus diminishing to 5-20% cumulus after 1300 and become cloudless after 1600. Raptor movement started early with the first Golden Eagle moving north at 0749 and subsequent movement was remarkably steady all day peaking at 13 birds/hour three times, with the last bird still in the air at 1837, the latest so far this season. The combined species total of 107 is the highest so far and the 101 Golden Eagles (99a,1sa,1j) is the earliest three-figure count for the species at the site by one day. Three of the day’s 4 adult Bald Eagles moved after 1754, and the only other migrants raptors were 2 adult Northern Goshawks. At 1027 a resident Prairie Falcon performed its tern-like flight display over the valley well distant from any possible nest site. The only other migrants were a flock of 120 Grey-crowned Rosy-Finches flying high to the north at 0846. 11.75 hours (245.5) BAEA 4 (145), NOGO 2 (16), GOEA 101 (337) TOTAL 107 (516)

Mount Lorette [Day 10] (Cliff Hansen) It was even colder at Lorette where the temperature only climbed to 0C at 1500 from a low of -12C and was back to -4C at 1800. Ground winds were light S-SW in the morning, reaching 15 km/h in the afternoon and becoming light again after 1600, while blowing snow indicated moderate W winds on the ridges. It was essentially cloudless all day making for challenging observing conditions. Only Golden Eagles moved today with all 16 birds (12a,1sa,1j,2u) recorded between 1519 and 1651. 11 hours (109.8) GOEA 16 (134) TOTAL 16 (174)

March 9 (Valley View site) No observation possible. It snowed all morning (3 cm fresh) and I arrived at the site at 1330 when it appeared that the clouds were lifting which they did partially, but descended again after 1500 and I finally gave up on the day at 1710 when the temperature was -4C, it was snowing again and all ridges were obscured. Ground winds were light W-SW and ridge winds were mainly E. A flock of 30 Bohemian Waxwings flying high to the N at 1610 were the first for the season and bird species #30.

Mount Lorette [Day 9] (Jim Davis) It was a much better day at Mount Lorette where there was 5 cm of fresh snow on the ground, the temperature reached 2C in mid afternoon from a low of -10C, and ground winds were calm to light to 1400 after which they were N between 10 and 20 km/h before becoming calm again after 1700. Ridge winds were moderate NW-SW and cloud cover was 100% altostratus and cumulus to 1500 after which they cleared to 50% cover, and ridges were periodically obscured in part. A total of 33 migrant raptors moved between 0852 and 1700 with about 1 bird per hour to mid afternoon after which birds migrated quite steadily, with the flight comprising 2 Bald Eagles (1a,1sa), 2 adult Northern Goshawks and 26 Golden Eagles (19a,1j,6u). 11 hours (98.75) BAEA 2 (21), NOGO 2 (9), GOEA 26 (118) TOTAL 33 (158)

March 8 [Day 21] (Valley View site) It was a fairly gloomy day with cloud cover 90-100% mainly cumulus, stratocumulus and altostratus, although the ridges remained clear until late in the day. It remained warm with a high of 8.5C from a morning low of 2C and it was still 4C at 1800. Ground winds were mainly light NW-W only occasionally gusting 20 km/h while ridge winds were moderate W-WNW becoming SSW at 1700 then E at 1810 bringing upslope cloud that rapidly enveloped the Livingstone Ridge. There were brief periods of snow pellets throughout the afternoon, turning to snow after 1900. raptor movement again started early with the first Golden Eagle going north at 0746 and 4 more following before 1000 suggesting a significant movement was in the offing, but the flow slowed until 1300 when it became fairly steady again and by 1746 when the last 2 Bald Eagles moved high to the north a total of 35 raptors had been counted. The flight comprised 9 Bald Eagles (8a,1j), the second Sharp-shinned Hawk of the season at 1401, 1 Rough-legged Hawk and 24 adult Golden Eagles. Migrant songbirds included the season’s first 3 Common Redpolls [#31], 20 Grey-crowned Rosy-Finches and the first Dark-eyed [Oregon] Junco [#32]. A Barred Owl and a Northern Pygmy-owl sang sporadically throughout the day, with both performing simultaneously after 1730. 11.42 (233.7) BAEA 9 (141), SSHA 1 (2), RLHA 1 (14), GOEA 24 (236) TOTAL 35 (409)

Mount Lorette [Day 8] (George Halmazna) The temperature only rose to 4C from a low of -1C which was also the temperature at 1700 when conditions terminated the count for the day. Ground winds were W-SE calm to very light until 1300 when they became NE gusting to 30 km/h, it was overcast with flurries all day and by 1500 all ridges were obscured. A total of 18 raptors migrated between 0950 and 1307 with 7 of the birds moving between 1000 and 1100, the flight comprising 1 subadult Bald Eagle, 1 adult Northern Goshawk and 16 Golden Eagles (15a,1sa). Non-raptor species included 18 Tundra Swans, 4 American Robins, 7 European Starlings, 283 Bohemian Waxwings and the season’s first Dark-eyed Junco. 10.42 hours (87.75) BAEA 1 (19), NOGO 1 (7), GOEA 16 (92) TOTAL 18 (125)

March 7 [Day 20] (Valley View site) For the 7th straight day the temperature reached 10C, from a low of 2C. Ground winds started N-NNW and gradually backed to NW at 1400 then W after 1700 gusting 20-25 km/h throughout the day. Ridge winds similarly backed from WNW to W and were moderate to noon after which they were moderate to strong. Cloud cover was 0-70% altocumulus all day, with considerable periods of pure blue sky over the Livingstone Ridge in the afternoon which made observation challenging. The first migrant was an adult Golden Eagle at the remarkably early time of 0710, with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th birds at 0928, 1009 and 1130 respectively, but subsequent movement was fairly sustained, with a slowdown only between 1400 and 1600, and the last Golden Eagle went high to the south at 1820 which is the latest bird so far this season. The total of 50 migrants is the highest daily count so far this season, as is the total of 45 Golden Eagles (42a,2sa,1j). The only other migrant raptors were 3 Bald Eagles (2a,1j) and 2 adult Northern Goshawks. After moving strongly for much of the season, Bald Eagles have been scarce in the last couple of days coincident with a marked increase in Golden Eagle numbers. 11.58 hours (222.3) BAEA 3 (132), NOGO 2 (14), GOEA 45 (212) TOTAL 50 (374)

Mount Lorette [Day 7] (Bill Wilson) The temperature reached a season high 13C from a low of -8C, ground winds were light SW occasionally gusting 20 km/h and ridge winds were probably moderate W. It was cloudless in the morning, but cirrus and then altostratus cloud developed throughout the afternoon reaching 80-100% and provided good observing conditions. The numbers of migrating raptors and the flight dynamic was remarkably close to that at Piitaistakis-South Livingstone with 43 birds counted between 0912 and 1822 with fairly steady movement between those times. The flight comprised 3 adult Bald Eagles, 1 unaged Northern Goshawk that mobbed a Golden Eagle over a considerable distance as they moved to the NW together, and 39 Golden Eagles (31a,1sa,7u). Both the combined species and Golden Eagle totals are season high counts for the site. 12 hours (7.33) BAEA 3 (18), NOGO 1 (6), GOEA 39 (76) TOTAL 43 (107)

March 6 [Day 19] (Valley View site) It was completely cloudless all day and the temperature reached 10C from a low of -4C. Ground winds were light or calm to 1245 when SW-W winds developed occasionally gusting to 25 km/h. The calm conditions in the morning resulted in just 1 migrant Golden Eagle at 1024 and steady movement didn’t start until 1218 after which it became fairly steady peaking between 1400 and 1500 with the passage of 15 Golden Eagles. The last migrant was a subadult Bald Eagle at 1725. For the first time Golden Eagles completely dominated the flight accounting for 40 (39a,1sa) of the day’s 45 migrants, and only 4 Bald Eagles (2a,2sa) were seen, 3 of which moved after 1654. A flock of 40 Grey-crowned Rosy-Finches flying north was the season’s 29th bird species, while a male and female White-winged Crossbill was the 30th. 11.5 hours (210.7) BAEA 4 (129), NOGO 1 (12), GOEA 40 (167) TOTAL 45 (324)
Mount Lorette [Day 6] (Jim Davis) Weather conditions were similar at Lorette where the temperature rose to 10.5C from -9C under cloudless skies, with calm conditions until noon and light mainly E winds in the afternoon. A total of 17 raptor migrants moved between 1151 and 1743, comprising 8 adult Bald Eagles, 8 Golden Eagles (6a,1sa,1j) and another adult light morph calurus Red-tailed Hawk. 11 hours (65.33) BAEA 8 (15), RTHA 1 (2) GOEA 8 (37) TOTAL 17 (64)

March 5 [Day 18] (Valley View site) Cloudless skies allowed the temperature to drop to -3.5C at 0700, but it steadily climbed to 10C at 1500 and it was still 5C at 1800. Ground winds were W-SW all day, light to noon and gusting to 25 km/h in the afternoon, and ridge winds were moderate W all day. It was cloudless until 1100 when thin cirrus began to develop that eventually reached 100% at 1700 and provided reasonably good observing conditions. A total of 49 raptors migrated between1028 and 1807 with 15 of the birds moving between 1500 and 1600, the total being the highest daily count so far this season. All migrants were eagles and both the Bald Eagle total of 18 (13a,3sa,2j) and the Golden Eagle total of 31 (29a,1sa,1j) were season high totals. The warm weather saw the season’s first butterfly on the wing: a Milbert’s Tortoiseshell at 1034. 11.5 hours (199.2) BAEA 18 (125), GOEA 31 (127) TOTAL 49 (279)
Mount Lorette [Day 5] (Cliff Hansen) The temperature rose to a high of 6C at 1600 from a low of -8C, ground winds were SW all day, light in the morning and gusting to 15 km/h in the afternoon, ridge winds were moderate W, and it was essentially cloudless all day with occasional traces of cirrus. The first migrants were 3 adult Northern Goshawks that flew to the north over Hummingbird Plume Hill and the first migrant eagle was a Bald Eagle at 1229. The total flight was 17 migrants comprising 3 adult Bald Eagles, 3 adult Northern Goshawks, 1 adult light morph calurus Red-tailed Hawk (which is the earliest ever at the site by 13 days), 9 Golden Eagles (8a,1sa) and 1 unidentified eagle. The last migrant was a Bald Eagle at 1704. Yesterday Joel recorded 2 Common Redpolls at the site, which are relatively uncommon birds this year. Today the headless body of a redpoll was found impaled on a branch of a shrub, presumably by the Northern Shrike which has frequented the Hay Meadow since the start of the count. 11 hours (54.33) BAEA 3 (7), NOGO 3 (5), RTHA 1 (1), GOEA 9 (29), UE 1 (1) TOTAL 17 (47)

March 4 [Day 17] (Valley View site) It was yet another warm day starting at 0C and climbing to 10C at 1500, before falling to 6C at 1800. Ground winds were generally light W-SW occasionally gusting to 16 km/h, and ridge and upper winds were WNW to 1400 after which they became light W. Cloud cover was mainly 100% altostratus and cumulus allowing hazy sunshine, becoming 100% dark cumulus between 1400 and 1530 after which they broke to 60 % cumulus after 1600 giving a brief period of direct sunshine. The movement of 3 Golden Eagles and 1 Bald Eagle between 1006 and 1051 again raised hopes of good numbers of migrants, but light winds in the afternoon limited movement to only 17 birds, most of which spent long periods soaring before moving slowly to the north. The flight comprised 5 adult Bald Eagles, an adult Northern Goshawk and 11 Golden Eagles: 9 adults, 1 subadult and 1 juvenile. The highlight of the non-raptor movement was a flock of 52 Tundra Swans flying very high to the east and calling continuously, providing the first record for the season [species #28]. 11.42 (187.7) BAEA 5 (107), NOGO 1 (11), GOEA 11 (96) TOTAL 17 (230)
Mount Lorette [Day 4] (Joel Duncan) The temperature rose to 8C at 1500 from a low of -1C, ground winds were light W-SW, ridge winds were light to moderate SW, and cloud cover was mainly 70-80% altocumulus and cirrus reducing to 20% for about an hour around noon giving excellent observing conditions all day. The only migrant raptors were an adult Bald Eagle at 1508, a subadult Golden Eagle at 1518 and an unaged Golden Eagle at 1802. 9.5 hours (43.33) BAEA 1 (4), GOEA 2 (20) TOTAL 3 (30)

March 3 [Day 16] (Valley View site) It was yet another warm day reaching 10.5C at 1300 from a low of 1C, and it was still 7C at 1800. Ground winds were mainly SW gusting to 20 km/h, ridge winds were moderate W all day and cloud cover was mainly 100% thin altostratus and altocumulus allowing hazy sunshine until 1700 after which it thinned to 80% altocumulus and cirrus. Raptor migration was again slow but steady with 18 birds moving between 1120 and 1813 with maximum movement of 5 birds between 1200 and 1300. Eagles again dominated the flight with 7 adult Bald Eagles and 9 adult Golden Eagles, and the Bald Eagle at 1645 was the 100th of the season. For the last 2 years Golden Eagle numbers showed a marked increase on March 2 with 25 and 35 birds passing respectively but this year we are still waiting: maybe it will happen tomorrow? A total of 30 Canada Geese in 4 flocks flew high to the east and a Blue Jay at 0928 was the 27th bird species for the year. An adult male Moose on the Piitaistakis Ridge at 0734 was a first for the season. 11.58 (176.3) BAEA 7 (102), NOGO 1 (10), RLHA 1 (13), GOEA 9 (85) TOTAL 18 (213)
Mount Lorette [Day 3] (George Halmazna) The temperature was -4C at 0640 but rose to a high of 9C, ground winds were light to noon, then SSW-W 5-10 gusting 28 km/h to1600, after which they became light again, and ridge winds appeared to follow the same pattern. Cloud cover ranged from 100% altostratus to 60% cirrus and cumulus thickening again in late afternoon to 80% altostratus and cumulus giving excellent observing conditions all day. A season high total of 20 raptors migrated between 1053 and 1716 of which 15 were Golden Eagles (14a,1j), but the highlight was the season’s first Gyrfalcon at either site, which was probably a juvenile grey morph bird at 1617. A male Mountain Bluebird was a very early record, a male American Robin was the first for the season and other birds included 70 Bohemian Waxwings, 1 Northern Shrike and singing Great Horned and Northern Pygmy Owls. 11.58 hours (33.83) BAEA 2 (3), NOGO 1 (2), RLHA 1 (3), GOEA 15 (18), GYRF 1 (1) TOTAL 20 (27)

March 2 [Day 15] (Valley View site) This was the warmest day so far this season with a temperature of 4C at 0700 rising to 11C at 1300 and falling to 6C at 1800. Ground winds were mainly W-NW occasionally gusting to 25 km/h, ridge winds were moderate WNW becoming moderate to strong after 1500 and cloud cover was 70-100% mainly altostratus giving hazy sunshine and good viewing conditions all day. A Rough-legged Hawk flying north at 0731 was the earliest migrant so far this season, and it was followed by an adult Golden Eagle at 0756, also the earliest so far, that raised hopes for a significant movement. The third migrant, however, did not appear until 1113 and movement continued to be slow until after1300 when 19 of the day’s 23 migrants occurred. These included 4 Bald Eagles moving between1327 and 1358, and 5 more between 1602 and 1638. The last of the day’s 11 Golden Eagles (10a and 1j) was still moving high to the north at 1815 and was the latest migrant so far this year. Resident pairs of Golden Eagles, Northern Goshawks and Prairie Falcons were conspicuous for much of the day. At 0953 a single Prairie Falcon displayed high to the east which involved it flying in broad circles for several minutes with continuous deep sweeping, fluid wing beats that appeared designed to accentuate its long slender wings making it appear almost tern-like. I have never seen this form of display before, nor have seen it described. It was exceedingly beautiful and I don’t know what effect it might have had on its mate but it certainly got me aroused! A total of 23 Canada Geese in flocks of 3, 7 and 13 flew high to the east over the Piitaistakis Ridge, presumably having flown from the Columbia Valley through the Crowsnest Pass. 11.33 hours (164.7) BAEA 10 (95), RLHA 2 (12), GOEA 11 (76) TOTAL 23 (195)
Mount Lorette [Day 2] (George Halmazna) The temperature rose to 10.5C from a low of -3C, ground winds were light until late afternoon when they gusted to 24 km/h, and cloud cover was 80-90% cirrostratus becoming altostratus thinning to 70% in late afternoon. Rough-legged Hawks at 1015 and 1624 were the first and last of the 4 raptors seen, with an adult Golden Eagle at 1259 and an adult Northern Goshawk making up the total. 11.5 hours (22.25) NOGO 1 (1), RLHA 2 (2), GOEA 1 (3) TOTAL 4 (7)

March 1 [Day 14] (Valley View site) A season high temperature of 10C was reached at 1500 from a low of 0.5C and it was still 7C at 1800. Ground winds were mainly NW-N 10-25 km/h until 1540 when they became predominantly W 15-35 km/h, and ridge winds appeared to be moderate NW all day. It was cloudless to 1000 when cirrus cloud began to develop quickly reaching 70-80% and thickening in the afternoon to provide excellent viewing conditions. The first raptor of the day was a non-migratory juvenile Golden Eagle at 0932 that glided slowly to the north along the ridge then briefly landed and picked up a stick (c50 cm) and continued to fly to the north with it. It then soared briefly, dropped the stick and immediately dived and retrieved it in mid-air and flew off with it towards the east. I have observed this behaviour in a juvenile bird in November, but this is the first time I have seen it in the spring. The first migrant raptor was an adult Bald Eagle at 1158 and by 1500 only 4 more birds had moved. The next hour, however, yielded 7 birds and 1600 to 1700 9 more, with the last of the day’s 22 migrants being an adult Bald Eagle at 1730. Eagles again dominated the flight with 10 Bald Eagles (9a,1sa) and 9 Golden Eagles (6a,3sa) moving north. For the first time this season no Pine Grosbeaks were recorded and the day seemed awfully quiet without their calls and songs. 11.08 hours (153.4) BAEA 10 (85), NOGO 2 (9), RLHA 1 (10), GOEA 9 (65) TOTAL 22 (172)
Mount Lorette [Day 1] (Cliff Hansen) This is the 19th straight spring that raptor counts have been conducted at the site. The temperature ranged from -10C to 10C and had fallen to -2C by 1800. Ground winds were light SW all day, and ridge winds also appeared to be light as smoke from a burn to the SE rose almost vertically. Cirrus cloud developed after 0900 reaching 50-60% between 1200 and 1700 before decreasing again. Raptor movement was thin with only a single adult Bald Eagle and 2 adult Golden Eagles moving between 1236 and 1456, and a Northern Shrike was the only notable non-raptor species. 10.75 hours (10.75) BAEA 1 (1), GOEA 2 (2) TOTAL 3 (3)