Fall 2012 Western Mountain Continental Flyways Flyway Editor: Fred Tilly PO Box 3, Arlee MT or

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1 Fall 2012 Western Mountain Continental Flyways Flyway Editor: Fred Tilly PO Box 3, Arlee MT or Sites mentioned in this report Western Mountain Continental Flyways 2012 Fall Summary... 1 Baldy Mountain, MPG Ranch, Bitterroot Valley, Montana... 2 Boise Ridge, Lucky Peak Lookout, Idaho... 5 Goshute Mountains, Northeastern Nevada... 6 Wellsville Mountains, Northern Utah... 7 Grand Canyon (Yaki & Lipan Points), Northern Arizona... 8 Commissary Ridge, Southwestern Wyoming... 8 Jewel Basin, Western Montana... 8 Mt. Lorette, Piitaistakis South Livingstone, Steeples Ridge, Southern Alberta Nora Ridge, Western Montana Bridger Mountains, Southwestern Montana Manzano Mountains, Central New Mexico Western Mountain Continental Flyways 2012 Fall Summary By Fred Tilly The 13 migration sites discussed in the in the 2012 fall report can be grouped as Intermountain (Baldy Mtn., Boise Ridge, Goshutes, Wellsvilles, Grand Canyon and Commissary) and Front Range (Mt. Lorette, Piitaistakis-South Livingstone, Nora Ridge, Bridgers and Manzanos). In addition, the Jewel Basin count in western Montana could be sending migrants into both the Intermountain and Front Range flyways. The Steeples Ridge site west of Mt. Lorette defies categorizing at this point. Funding problems continue and four important sites in the region were not covered in the fall of In the Intermountain flyway Baldy Mountain (MPG Ranch) in Montana had a good season and again proved itself to be a very good site for monitoring the Red-tailed Hawk along with the other Intermountain sites. Boise Ridge (Idaho) had a slightly below average season with the Cooper s Hawk and American Kestrel well below the long term average as was also the case in The Goshutes (Nevada), on the same flight line to the south-southeast, was slightly below average overall and showed the same pattern with regard to the Cooper s Hawk and A. Kestrel the Kestrel at well below half of its long term average in 2011 and 2012 at both the Goshutes and Boise Ridge. Unfortunately the Wellsvilles (Utah), on the east side of the Salt Lake Desert, was again not covered. Toward the southern end of the Intermountain flyway, the Grand Canyon s (Arizona) two formerly covered sites, Yaki Point and Lippan Point, both went without coverage. Over to the east Commissary Ridge in the southwest corner of Wyoming lost its coverage this year. Jewel Basin (Montana) seems to be Intermountain for most species but probably feeds eagles into the Front Range flyway. They had a record year in 2012 with continued stable numbers of Cooper s and A. Kestrels; but their history only goes back to 2008 in contrast to the 20 and 30 years of coverage at Boise Ridge and the Goshutes. They had a relatively strong season for the Golden Eagle. To the east along the interface of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, otherwise known as the Front Range, the bulk of migrants, at least at the four main northern lookouts, are Golden Eagles. The Golden Eagle continues to stage spectacular migrating concentrations along the Front Range ridges, but the species faces continuing pressure from human sources including lead poisoning, electrocution, shooting, the feather trade, rodent poisoning and habitat alteration on the

2 wintering grounds. Count trend in the largest concentration passing through southwest Alberta has clearly been down over the past 10 to 15 years. Mount Lorette had generally good weather conditions in 2012 but a Golden Eagle count well below that of recent years (27% below the long term average and 33% below the average of the counts). This year s count of Golden Eagles seems to confirm the continuing downtrend at this site dating back to As the Golden Eagle flight moves south of Alberta, multiple competing ridges cause it to spread out going into Montana. In Montana the main Continental Divide ridge is still the main flight line but totals are lower. The site at Nora Ridge near Rogers Pass is located 3.5 miles west of the Continental Divide and commands a view of the most frequented eagle flight lines through the area. The 2012 count here was below the (2009 and 2010 removed due to adverse conditions affecting the count) average in spite of generally good October flight conditions. The long-established count on the Bridger Range 110 miles to the southeast provides a good index most years. It is subject to weather induced variability due to its high elevation. The 2011 and 2012 Golden Eagle counts here, aided by good flight conditions, were both near the long term average, which dates back to Better coverage and generally good flight conditions in recent years may be masking a decline in the actual magnitude of the fall flight here. Baldy Mountain, MPG Ranch, Bitterroot Valley, Montana From the 2012 Raptor View Research Institute (RVRI) fall migration summary by Adam Shreading and Robert Domenech The Bitterroot Valley is an obvious raptor migration corridor and wintering area, with the Bitterroot-Selway wilderness to the west and the Sapphire Mountains to the east. The ridge where the lookouts are located is on the east side of the 10 mile wide Bitterroot Valley. Exploratory raptor counts from the Baldy Mountain Complex (BMC) on the MPG Ranch in 2010 and full season counts in fall of 2011 yielded encouraging numbers and species diversity. In 2012 counts were conducted on 65 days during the 69 day period from September 5 through November 12 for a total of 417 hours. The 2012 count was conducted by three primary observers (Eric Kerr Rasmussen, MPG Ranch; Daniel Harrington, RVRI, and Cherin Chapman, RVRI) with assistance from volunteers and MPG Ranch and RVRI staff when possible. The BMC is on the north end of the Bitterroot Valley with the Bitterroot River and associated cottonwood riparian approximately 2.5 miles to the west and the Sapphire Mountains with the Sapphire Divide located approximately 6 miles to the east. The primary lookout, West Baldy Ridge is located 0.25 miles southwest of Baldy Mountain on the western flank of the BMC about 5,700 ft. in elevation. In early October Indian Ridge was used as an additional lower-elevation count site in order to better identify low moving migrants along the foothills of the BMC and over the Bitterroot River s riparian habitat. In fall 2012 a total of 2375 migrating raptors were recorded, compared to 2163 in the fall of The peak daily counts occurred late in the season, compared to a mid-season peak in The highest count day was November 7, with 218 raptors. Notable season high counts include Red-tailed Hawks (766), Rough-legged Hawks (253), and Northern Harriers (203). The season total of 25 Broad-winged Hawks was a new high as well. Of the 65 days of observations, 31 were overcast and cloudy, and precipitation was recorded on 13 days. Counts were not conducted on four days due to low visibility from heavy precipitation. The high temperature for the season was 28 C (September 8), and the season low temperature was -3 C (November 11). Wind speeds were relatively mild (0-10 kph) most days, though on 10 days speeds >20kph were recorded. Winds were highly variable in direction, but rarely came out of the east. The observers had poor visibility on 30 days in the fall 2012 season, compared to only 11 days with poor visibility in Smoke from wildfires in the region accumulated in the Bitterroot Valley and persisted for weeks. Observers report the presence of smoke limited their ability to detect passing migrants and may have even caused migrants to avoid the region. Seventeen species were recorded during fall The five most abundant species counted were: Red-tailed Hawk (766), Sharp-shinned Hawk (377), Rough-legged Hawk (253), Northern Harrier (203) and American Kestrel (190).

3 Table 1: Summary of raptors counted during fall 2012 on the MPG Ranch. Group Species Fall 2012 Count Golden Eagle 91 Eagles Bald Eagle 114 Unknown Eagle 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 377 Accipiters Cooper's Hawk 134 Northern Goshawk 20 Unknown Accipiter 27 Red-tailed Hawk 766 Rough-legged Hawk 253 Buteos Swainson's Hawk 8 Broad-winged Hawk 25 Ferruginous Hawk 5 Unknown Buteo 59 American Kestrel 190 Merlin 9 Falcons Peregrine Falcon 8 Prairie Falcon 11 Unknown Falcon 1 Northern Harrier 203 Other Osprey 28 Turkey Vulture 23 Unknown Hawk 22 Species Accounts Northern Harrier Northern Harriers migrated throughout the season, with a few days of extremely high numbers (32 on October 24). Fall 2012 saw more Harriers compared to 2011 (203 vs. 137), which may partially result from the extended season and the increased use of the lower elevation Indian Ridge site (112 Northern Harriers were counted at the Indian Ridge site compared to 91 at the high site). Osprey Twenty-eight Osprey were counted from September 5 to October 24, compared to 45 in Only one Osprey was observed after the first week of October, suggesting that most migrated out of the region during September. All eight Osprey from the ranch outfitted with GPS transmitters migrated south during September. The first to leave was an adult female on September 1 while the last was an adult male on September 30. Far fewer Ospreys were seen during fall migration compared to spring migration (114 counted spring 2012). It is unclear why this difference between seasons is so large. Turkey Vulture Observers counted 23 Turkey Vultures from September 11 to October 3, about half of the total observed in 2011 (50). Smoke may have inhibited detection of migrating Turkey Vultures, many of which migrate out over the central Bitterroot Valley. Golden Eagle A total of 91 Golden Eagles were counted from September 11 to November 12, compared to 84 in Golden Eagles are late-season migrants, as the November 7 peak day indicates. The transmitter data show the two MPG Ranch Golden Eagles returning to the Bitterroot Valley around November 10, suggesting that Golden Eagle migration likely extends later than the current count.

4 Bald Eagle Like Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles migrate relatively late. In Bald Eagles were counted from September 26 to November 12. A total of 89 were tallied in November, with a daily high count of 41 on November 7. The count was extended later into November this year; this extension explains the much greater number observed in 2012 compared to 2011 (114 vs. 58). Data suggest the Bald Eagle migration was likely just beginning when site observations ended. Plans are to try and count later in the season next year to capture the entire Bald Eagle migration. Sharp-shinned Hawk Observers counted 377 Sharp-shinned Hawks from September 5 to November 7, compared to 383 in Most Sharpshinned Hawks were seen early in the season, with 244 counted in September. The daily high occurred on September 12 when 33 were counted. Though relatively similar numbers were tallied in 2011 and 2012 (383 and 377), Sharp-shinned Hawks appeared to migrate approximately one week earlier this year. Cooper s Hawk A total of 134 Cooper s Hawks were counted between September 7 and November 7, compared to 167 in The daily high count occurred on October 5 with 13, compared to 2011 s daily high of 21 on October 8. Northern Goshawk Twenty Northern Goshawks were counted in fall 2012; 5 in September, 13 in October, and 2 in November. This total is double the count from The nearby trapping station and its associated pigeon lures may partially explain the increase in Northern Goshawk observations. Northern Goshawks generally do not disperse more than 300 km from their natal/nesting grounds and are not usually detected at raptor migration sites in large numbers. Red-tailed Hawk Red-tailed Hawks migrated throughout the season, although numbers increased markedly in early October. The site tallied a total of 766 Red-tailed Hawks, remarkably similar to the 776 counted in Of the total 182 were recorded in September, 312 in October and 272 in November. The peak day occurred on November 7, when 107 were counted, compared with a single day high of 101 on October 13 in Groups of Red-Tailed Hawks were often seen rising on scattered thermals in the Bitterroot Valley during days with north winds and stormy conditions. The high Red-tailed Hawk counts at the end of the season suggest their migration may continue later than originally thought. Rough-legged Hawk All told, 253 Rough-legged Hawks were counted from October 3 through November 12. This is more than four times the 2011 total of 58. The peak day in fall 2012 was October 19 with 22 counted; the peak day in 2011 was October 22 with 10 counted. Nora Ridge had 231 from September 27 through October 30. Jewel Basin counted 14 for the season; the Bridgers had 42. With only two seasons of observations, it difficult to speculate what cause such a difference in count totals. Swainson s Hawk Eight Swainson s Hawks were counted between September 12 and November 1. Nine were counted in Swainson s Hawks prefer open grassland habitats for breeding and are generally uncommon in the intermountain areas of western Montana. Broad-winged Hawk Twenty five Broad-winged Hawks were observed from September 15-27, compared to only 6 in A day high of 9 was recorded on September 17. Ferruginous Hawk Five Ferruginous Hawks were seen from October 5 to November 7. Five were also counted in American Kestrel The site tallied 190 American Kestrels from September 5 through November 6, and they represent the fifth most-counted species. Slightly fewer American Kestrels were counted in 2012 compared to 2011 (190 vs. 225). American Kestrel migration ended relatively early in the season, with just a few individuals migrating past mid-october.

5 Merlin Nine Merlins were counted from September 11 through November 10, with 6 Merlins observed in Peregrine Falcon Eight Peregrine Falcons were counted from September 11 through November 5. Four were observed 4 in Prairie Falcon A total of 11 Prairie Falcons were counted in 2012, similar to the count of 9 in Observers counted 2 in September, 7 in October and 2 in November. Fall 2012 Trapping and Banding Results In 2012, the first full season, fall banding effort was conducted on the MPG Ranch. Trapping was conducted by Adam Shreading, William Blake and Tyler Veto. Banding was conducted from September 7 October 30, and a total of 63 individuals of 10 different species were captured, including a Northern Pygmy-Owl and 5 Northern Goshawks. The most numerous species captured was the Sharp-shinned Hawk. The complete report with information on banding and satellite telemetry is available at Boise Ridge, Lucky Peak Lookout, Idaho Adapted from the fall 2012 Idaho Bird Observatory report provided by Greg Kaltenecker At Lucky Peak on Boise Ridge the observers tallied 5137 migrant raptors of 17 species, a slightly below average count total for the site. Counts were conducted on 65 days for a total of 468 hours in the period from August 25 through October 31, The 2012 counts were compared to 19-year averages. Observation hours for 2012 were 2% above the long-term average. The following table presents the 2012 counts compared to the long-term averages: Raptor Migration Counts at Lucky Peak; fall 2012 results compared to long-term averages ( ); Idaho Bird Observatory. Species Long-term Average ( ) 2012 Totals % Change Comparison to Long-term Average (LTA) Obs. Hours % Above LTA American Kestrel 1, % Below LTA Sharp-shinned Hawk 1,167 1, % Below LTA Red-tailed Hawk % Below LTA Cooper's Hawk % Below LTA Turkey Vulture 1, , % Above LTA Northern Harrier % Below LTA Golden Eagle % Below LTA Swainson's Hawk % Below LTA Northern Goshawk % Above LTA Osprey % Below LTA Merlin % Above LTA Prairie Falcon % Below LTA Ferruginous Hawk % Below LTA Broad-winged Hawk % Above LTA Bald Eagle % Above LTA Peregrine Falcon % Above LTA Rough-legged Hawk % Below LTA Red-shouldered Hawk % Below LTA TOTALS 5, , % Below LTA Observations were conducted daily by at least two qualified observers. Greg Kaltenecker of the IBO staff organized the count, which used a large group of staff and volunteers. Counts were curtailed on three days due to fog, rain or or snow.

6 Smoke from wildfires reduced visibility throughout most of the season; on some days visibility was limited to two kilometers or less. A total of 1151 diurnal raptors were banded in 2012 at the two banding stations during 108 station-days of operation. To date, we have received a total of 147 band encounters from raptors banded on the Boise Ridge. Many banded raptors have been encountered from the Boise area, but other recoveries have come from western Mexico, Baja California, California, Washington and British Columbia. Three general patterns are evident from studying Idaho Bird Observatory raptor band encounters: 1) mid-winter recoveries of Sharp-shinned and Cooper s Hawks come from western Mexico in the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, Colima and farther south; 2) mid-winter recoveries of Red-tailed Hawks come from California s Central Valley; and 3) spring and summer recoveries of Sharp-shinned and Cooper s Hawks come from as far north as central British Columbia. The Boise Ridge Project (Idaho Bird Observatory) began in 1992 when a volunteer pilot study identified several potential raptor migration monitoring sites in southwest Idaho. During 1993, searches continued at additional sites in southwest Idaho, including the Boise Ridge. A substantial raptor migration was identified at Lucky Peak, the southernmost peak on the ridge. A long-term project was established at Lucky Peak to annually count the number of migrating raptors during fall to provide reliable population trend information on western species. Long-term raptor banding projects were also established to identify migration routes, wintering areas, breeding areas and mortality factors of western migratory raptors. In 1997, a long-term songbird monitoring project was initiated that consisted of songbird mist netting and count surveying. In 1998, a forest owl monitoring and banding project was initiated that targets Northern Saw-whet and Flammulated owls. The main goal of the Idaho Bird Observatory s Boise Ridge Project is to continue long-term research activities designed to gather important information about western migratory bird species. High priority also is given to promoting public wildlife viewing, environmental education, and community volunteer programs. The Boise Ridge is a series of north-south trending peaks and foothills located in the Boise Mountains in southwest Idaho. The ridge establishes the northern boundary of the Snake River Plain and is the southernmost extension of the central Idaho mountains. Goshute Mountains, Northeastern Nevada Adapted from the fall 2012 Hawkwatch International (HWI) Goshute Mountains Report by Markus Mica and Shawn E. Hawks The observers counted 12,227 migrating raptors of 17 species during 83 days between August 15 and November 5. This was 15% below the average. Observers were Steve Seibel (7+ years of observer experience) and Bryce Robinson (no past migration observer experience but had done raptor survey work). The count was conducted by two observers at a time with variable amounts of help from visitors and other crewmembers. Weather Fall 2012 was overall drier with stronger winds coming more regularly out of the southwest-northwest. The ranking of good to excellent thermal lift was only slightly above average while visibility was lower, compared to averages over previous years. It is unknown how the stronger more variable southwest-northwest westerly wind directions affected raptor migratory behavior through the Goshutes, but raptors could have been missed due to the lower than average visibility. Flight Significant above average counts were tallied for Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles and non-significant above average counts for Ospreys, Broad-winged and Swainson s Hawks. Significant below average counts were tallied for Sharpshinned Hawks, Cooper s Hawks, Northern Goshawks, Golden Eagles and American Kestrels. Non-significant below average counts were tallied for Turkey Vultures, Northern Harriers, Ferruginous Hawks, Merlins, Prairie Falcons and Peregrine Falcons. The flight consisted of 50% accipiters, 36% buteos, 7% falcons, 3% vultures, 2% eagles, 1% harriers, <1% Ospreys and <1% unidentified raptors. The proportions of buteos, harriers and Ospreys were above average; proportions of vultures and eagles near average, and for accipiters and falcons below average. Normally, Sharp-shinned Hawks are the most commonly observed species at the Goshutes, but this past season the Red-tailed Hawk was most common (32% of the total count), followed by Sharp-shinned Hawks (29%), Cooper s Hawks (17%), American Kestrels (6%), Turkey Vultures

7 (3%), Swainson s Hawks (3%) and Golden Eagles (2%). Other species that were observed each made up only 1% or less of the total. (Ed. Note: See the species long term averages and season totals in Table 1 at the end of this regional report.) During 2012, the trapping crew captured and banded a total of 1162 raptors of 11 species. Two birds originally banded at the Goshutes in years past were recaptured. Three foreign birds already banded under someone else s banding operation at another location were also recaptured. Sharp-shinned Hawks accounted for 57% of the total captures, followed by Cooper s Hawks (26%), Red-tailed Hawks (10%), American Kestrels (4%), Northern Goshawks (1%) and Merlins (1%). Each of the remaining species made up <1% of the total. The banding team included: Deb Sandack, Katie Andrle, Mike Shaw and Leo Chidester. Throughout the existence of HWI s raptor migration project at the Goshute Mountains, a total of 376 raptors banded here have subsequently been encountered elsewhere as foreign encounters. Throughout the year, notification was received of six new recoveries: 4 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Cooper s Hawk and 1 Red-tailed Hawk. The most interesting recovery was of one of the Sharp-shinned Hawks trapped on August 28 near Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada by another bander. Because the bird was in full immature plumage when it was initially banded at the Goshutes during migration in 2009, we now know that it has survived beyond its third year since hatching. Whether this bird originated or is breeding near the recovery site in Canada is unknown. Another Sharp-shinned and one Cooper s Hawk were found dead along highways in Idaho and Arizona. Otherwise, all the other birds were found dead of unknown causes, which is typical for most band recoveries. All these birds, with the possible exception of the young Sharp-shinned Hawk recovered in Durango, Colorado, on December 16, were recovered in the Intermountain Flyway, however this location was previously hypothesized as a potential overlap between the Intermountain and the Rocky Mountain Flyways (cf. Hoffman et al. 2002). Regardless, any recovery information is important to piece together patterns of migration, habitat connectivity between breeding and winter grounds, as well as causes of mortality and to help calculate survivorship and longevity in various raptor species. The Goshute Mountains Raptor Migration Project in northeastern Nevada is an ongoing effort to monitor long-term trends in populations of raptors using the Intermountain Flyway. HWI and its organizational precursors have been studying the fall raptor migration in the Goshute Mountains since 1980, when HWI founder Steve Hoffman and colleagues first began banding at the site. Standardized counts began in 1983 and have continued each year since. Annual counts have ranged between ~12,000 25,000 migrants of up to 18 species, making this one of the largest concentrations in the western U.S. and Canada. The Goshute Mountains form a 100-km ridge that runs north south near the Utah Nevada border. The study site is located in the Goshute Wilderness Study Area approximately 40 km southwest of Wendover, Nevada, on land administered by the Elko Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. The project site is located near the south end of the Goshute range and is reached by a primitive road that begins near Ferguson Springs and then a primitive trail that ascends Christmas Tree Canyon from the east. The complete report and information about band returns and telemetry from this site can be found at Wellsville Mountains, Northern Utah Not covered in The Wellsville Mountains are situated northeast of the Great Salt Lake, 16 km west of Logan, Utah. The single, traditional observation point is located at 2617 m (8585 ft) near the northern end of the Wellsville range and provides a panoramic view in all directions. The lookout is reached by a 5.6 km (3.5 mi) hike up Deep Canyon Trail and then another 1 km (0.6 mi) hike to the north along the ridge top. The trailhead begins just west of Mendon. The Wellsvilles are an exceptionally steep, isolated ridge oriented in a north-south direction. Agriculture is the dominant land use in the expansive valleys below. The Great Salt Lake lies 31 km to the southwest. Consequently, the lookout affords exceptional unobstructed views in all directions. Several factors make the Wellsville lookout ideal for observing consistent fall flights of migrating raptors. Ridges to the north serve as leading lines funneling migrating raptors into the Wellsvilles. In addition, the Great Salt Lake and Great Salt Desert to the west likely serve as barriers to migration for many raptors. The count has not been done since 2008 due to resource limitations at Hawkwatch International, but I left the 1991 to 2008 data summary in the table for comparison with totals from other sites in the region, especially the Goshutes which is nearly due west on the other side of the Salt Lake Desert.

8 Grand Canyon (Yaki & Lipan Points), Northern Arizona Not covered in The Grand Canyon is one of the largest concentration points for migrating raptors in the western states with the combined total ranging from about 6100 to 12,300 migrants per season. The site was first documented by Chuck LaRue in 1987, and standardized fall counts were initiated by HWI starting in 1991 at Lipan Point and 1997 at Yaki Point. This count consisted of the combined results from the two lookouts along the south rim of the canyon from 1997 through The count was not done in 2009 due to resource limitations at Hawkwatch International but was restarted with only the Yaki Point site in Neither site has been operated since Detailed information about this site including past reports can be found at Commissary Ridge, Southwestern Wyoming Not covered in After two years of exploratory surveys throughout Wyoming, in 2002 HWI initiated the first fullseason, fall-migration count at Commissary Ridge in southwestern Wyoming, with annual counts continuing each year through 2011 with banding starting from 2004 through The study site is located atop the southern end of Commissary Ridge on the southwestern tip of South Fork Mountain, about 37 km north of Kemmerer, Wyoming, on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Kemmerer Field Office. The site is accessed from Hwy 233 just northeast of Lake Viva Naughton, and is located on the western edge of a broad ridgetop overlooking the Ham s Fork River Valley and Lake Viva Naughton to the west. The location provides an unobstructed 360 view of the surrounding landscape. The ridgetop features primarily rocky substrates and low growing, desert shrubs and grasses, with scattered stands of mixedconifer and aspen in sheltered pockets and ravines. I left the summary of past count results in Table 1. Past reports and information about band returns and telemetry from this site as well can be found at Jewel Basin, Western Montana Adapted from the fall 2012 report prepared by Daniel Casey of the American Bird Conservancy Editor comments: Jewel Basin has proved itself to be the best site yet found in Montana or western Canada for monitoring the accipiters. The site also gets a good showing of the region s other raptor species. Its location just northeast of Flathead Lake is near the southern terminus of the Rocky Mountain Trench formation. It is located at 7100 ft. elevation on the Swan Range, the westernmost of a number of parallel long ridge lines that trend northwest to southeast. An advantage of this site is the high percentage of raptors that pass close to the lookout enabling age and sex determination for a high percentage of migrants. It seems likely that many of the Golden Eagles passing this site may continue to the southeast and comprise one of the tributaries feeding the Nora Ridge-Rogers Pass area 100 miles to the southeast. The accipiters may prefer to stay more to the forested west and scatter as they reach the south end of the Swan Range, being less drawn to the Front Range flyway than the eagles. Ed. During 327 hours of observation on 48 of the 71 days between August 25 and November 3, 2012 a total of 2720 migrating raptors of 17 species were counted. Twenty-three days during the count period were not covered due to weather or observer factors. Fourteen days during this period had rain, snow or dense cloud cover that precluded surveys. Cloud cover has proven to be an annual issue late in the season in particular, as often dense clouds blanket the ridge above 5,000 ft. for several days at a time. Five days very early in the season this year (Aug ) were missed due to a lack of volunteers, but passage was light at that time. We missed just two days during the season where strong flights were likely, at least during the afternoon (Oct. 20 and 21), due to lack of observer availability. Hours per day varied in length depending on apparent passage rates, weather conditions and volunteer availability, and ranged from 2.0 to 9.0 hr, averaging 6.8 hr. The primary observation point is on the northwest flanks of Mt. Aeneas. A total of at least 46 different people (including 10 primary observers) participated in the surveys, including ABC staff (D. Casey) and contracted observers. Accipiters again comprised the bulk (61.6%) of the flight, with 1675 counted; eagles comprised 20% of the birds recorded, buteos 10% and falcons 5%. These proportions were consistent with previous years. The Sharp-shinned Hawk

9 was once again far and away the most numerous migrant raptor at the site, with a season total of 1142 counted, followed in order by Golden Eagle (502), Cooper s Hawk (427), and Red-tailed Hawk (225). Selected Species Accounts Northern Harrier The harrier is primarily an early-season migrant at this site. This year they were recorded on 19 of the 32 count days in August and September, including a peak count of 5 birds on September 26. Only 7 of the record 51 harriers counted were seen in October, the last a single bird seen October 17. A total of 92% were classified as to age, with 65% of those being immature birds. Adult females outnumbered adult males at a 14:3 ratio, similar to previous years. Sharp-shinned Hawk Far and away the most abundant migrant species, Sharp-shinned Hawks were seen on all but seven of the 48 count days, and comprised 42% of all raptors counted. The season total of 1142 was down for the second consecutive year from the high count in 2010 (1541), in spite of the extra effort. The daily high count was 92 on September 14, which is the earliest high count for the species by nearly two weeks and also well below the 2010 single day high of 258. The dates of the peak counts of this species had been remarkably consistent over the four previous years of surveys, all falling in the period of September The ratio of immature to adult Sharp-shinned Hawks increased this year, after two years of apparent declines. We were able to classify 89% of the Sharp-shinned Hawks to age this year, and nearly 50% were immatures (98 per 100 adults). Cooper s Hawk The unique viewing conditions at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch allow for close comparisons of passing accipiters, useful for separating this species from the very similar Sharp-shinned (although 79 birds were still classified only as Unknown Accipiters for the season). The total count for Cooper s Hawks for the season (427) was the highest season total to date. They were seen throughout most of the season (August 25 October18), although once again the bulk of the flight (88%) occurred before October 1. The high daily count was 39 birds on September 14, the earliest peak count for this species to date. Observers classified 91% of the birds to age, with 56% being immature birds (126/100 ad.), down slightly for the third consecutive year. Northern Goshawk Goshawks were seen in small numbers throughout the season (September 1 October 24), with a daily high count of 7 birds on September 11, yet another early peak count date. Observers had speculated in the past that the total count for this species, and the ratio of adults to immatures, may have been skewed by not being able to conduct late-season surveys due to snow conditions. But this year a low total yet again for this species (27) was just one more than last year s lowest count, in spite of continuing surveys into the first week of November. Unfortunately, observers recorded age data for just 44% of the birds seen; 11 of 12 were immatures. Broad-winged Hawk This small buteo species has proven to be a rare but regular migrant at the Jewel Basin site. In individuals were counted between August 25 and September 30, with high daily counts of 5 birds recorded September 16 and 19. Nine (60%) of 15 birds classified to age were immatures, and all classified birds were light morphs. Red-tailed Hawk This was the site s most common buteo species, and fourth most common species overall, with a record 225 counted. Redtails were seen from August 31 through October 24, with a maximum daily count of 22 birds on September 19. Ninety-one were classified to age class. The proportion of young birds classified was by far the highest yet recorded (54%, or 117/100 ad.). Observers have noted a steady increase in the apparent ratio of immatures to adults of this species for the five years of the surveys. The proportion of dark morph individuals in the flight has varied from 15-28% over the four years of our surveys; this year 38, or 19% of the birds classified were dark morphs.. Rough-legged Hawk This locally abundant wintering species does not seem to rely heavily on ridgeline routes here, as each year many were present in the valley by the end of our survey period, without correspondingly high counts from the hawk watch site. The seasonal counts have been highly variable, with just one bird seen in 2009, and a high of 41 counted in This year, the first was not seen until September 25, and just 13 more were tallied by season s end. The high daily counts were 3 birds seen on each October 11 and 12.

10 Golden Eagle Golden Eagles continued to be one of the most abundant migrant species at the site. They were seen during 39 of the 48 surveys, with a high count of 76 on October 11. More than 80% were recorded on the 19 surveys after September 27. The age class of 93% of the record 502 birds counted was determined, with 222 (48%) of those being adults, 40 subadults (9%) and 202 immatures (44%). This observed ratio of young birds (109/100 ad.) increased for the second consecutive year but was still well down from our 2009 peak. American Kestrel The season total of 74 kestrels was above the previous four-year mean (62) but still well below the seasonal high (100) from Kestrels were seen essentially throughout the season, from August 25 through October 27, with a peak count of 6 birds on September 23. Among the 58 birds (82%) classified to sex, the ratio was 1.3 males per female. This ratio has been very consistent across the five years of our surveys. Like the Rough-legged Hawk, this species is prone to migrating in the valley bottoms under certain weather conditions, which may explain the year-to-year survey variability. Merlin Merlins were seen in small numbers (20 total) from September 1 through October 17, with a peak daily count of 2 birds recorded September 30. Sex and age data was not collected, given the difficulty of classifying these birds in flight, and the variability in the three subspecies known to occur at the site. While they comprise a minor component of the migration at this site, seasonal totals have been fairly consistent, with counted annually. Still, it was surprising that the lowest season-long total to date occurred during a year when the survey effort was the greatest. Peregrine Falcon Twenty-three Peregrines were seen this season, almost double the previous four-year mean of 12 per season. This year the first was seen September 8, and the last was October 17. Unfortunately, just 13 were classified to age; 92% were adults. Additional data and photos may be requested from ABC at dcasey@abcbirds.org. Mt. Lorette, Piitaistakis South Livingstone, Steeples Ridge, Southern Alberta From the fall 2012 report by Peter Sherrington, Rocky Mountain Eagle Research Foundation (RMERF) Detailed daily accounts of the fall and spring counts can be found at Mount Lorette, Southwest Alberta This was the 22st consecutive year that some form of fall count was conducted by RMERF members and was the 21st conducted at Mount Lorette. At Mount Lorette observers spent a total of 52 days of a possible 57 days at the site between September 20 and November 15, the number of days being 0.6% above average. A total of 2987 raptors (30% below the average) comprised of 13 species was recorded. Weather conditions were about average for the site with five days lost to weather conditions. A further three days were shortened by weather. Wind direction was mostly from the south to southwest and tended to be lighter than during last year. Winds were assessed as strong 15% of the time, moderate to strong 27% of the time, moderate 17% and light to moderate 12%. The counts were not seriously impacted by adverse weather. Migrant raptors were recorded on all of the 52 active field days between September 20 and November 15. A total of only eight days (15%) had a passage of at least 100 migrants. Seven of these days occurred in October but the combined species total of 130 on November 6 was the highest ever recorded in November, as was the Golden Eagle count of 105. The highest single-day count occurred on October 9 with the passage of 441 birds, which is exactly coincident with the average highest single-day count for the site. The combined species total is 30% below the long-term average and is the second-lowest valid fall count for the site. Despite the persistence of movement throughout the count period, only two species occurred in higher than average numbers: Rough-legged Hawk (61: +13%) and Peregrine Falcon (6: +12%). The other 11 species all occurred in lower than average numbers: Osprey 2 (-26%), Bald Eagle 128 (-52%), Northern Harrier 6 (-43%), Sharp-shinned Hawk 63 (-55%), Cooper's Hawk 10 (-59%), Northern Goshawk 30 (-138%), Broad-winged Hawk 1 (-86%), Red-tailed Hawk 26 (-24%), Golden Eagle 2635 (-27%), Merlin 5 (-30%) and Gyrfalcon 1 (-68%). Turkey Vulture, Swainson's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk and American Kestrel were not recorded this season.

11 Selected Species Accounts Golden Eagle Observers counted a total of 2653 migrating Golden Eagles on 50 days between September 20 and November 15, with the highest single-day count of 428 occurring on October 9. The total was 27% below the long-term average. Only five days saw passage of at least 100 birds, and the only other count over 200 was 334 on October 15. The count of 105 birds on November 6 was the second-highest ever recorded in November, and this was only the third time that more than 100 Golden Eagles were recorded in the month. The flight was comprised of 1824 adults, 101 subadults, 352 juveniles, 1 undifferentiated immature bird and 357 birds of unknown age yielding an immature:adult ratio of 0.25 and a juvenile:adult/subadult ratio of Both ratios are only slightly below those of l2011 (0.26 and 0.18), and the immature: adult ratio is 7.9% below the long-term average. The highest cumulative hourly counts were 441 ( ), 322 ( ), 300 ( ) and 280 from ( ) MST. This year no birds were recorded between 0700 and 0800 while 48 birds occurred after The highest single-hour passage was 99 between 1600 and 1700 on October 8, while the following hour yielded 77 birds. The species median passage date of October 14 was one day later than average, as was the adult median passage date of October 15. Immature birds were two days later than average on October 9. Mount Lorette Golden Eagle trend F93 F94 F95 F96 F97 F98 F99 F00 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 F06 F07 F08 F09 F10 F11 F12 GOLDEN EAGLE: FALL AGE RATIOS F94 F95 F96 F97 F98 F99 F00 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 F06 F07 F08 F09 F10 F11 F12

12 The figure depicting Golden Eagle age analysis shows the trend of fall immature:adult ratios since Note that the 1997 count was at Plateau Mountain and the counts were at Piitaistakis-South Livingstone with the rest conducted at Mount Lorette. As the age ratios have been found to be very similar between counts at Piitaistakis-South Livingstone and Lorette, it is reasonable to combine data from three sites along the migration trend: when plotted, the points form a consistent trend pattern. There is a generally increasing trend to 1999, followed by a decrease to 2002, then a steady increase to 2008 followed by a decrease to This trend (which is paralleled by the spring trend) almost certainly reflects the population cycles of the northern Snowshoe Hare population. It is interesting to note that the fall 2000 spike in numbers occurred a year after the apparent peak in the snowshoe hare cycle and may represent a more complete southward movement of a population at its peak resulting from an increasing dearth of a fall and winter prey species. This also raises the possibility that part of the apparent overall decline in the species seen at the site may result from progressively more birds wintering north of the counting sites as hare numbers recover ( shortstopping ), but even allowing for this it appears that numbers counted during the second cycle (i.e. after 2000) are significantly lower than the first (< ). It appears that fall 2009 marked the start of the declining phase of the hare cycle, nine or 10 years after the previous peak and the 2012 ratio, although very similar to that of the previous year, continues this trend. Bald Eagle The count of 128 birds seen on 37 days between September 20 and November 15 was 52% below average and was the second lowest count ever for the period ahead only of the 100 counted in The four lowest fall counts at the site have occurred in the last four years. The highest single-day count was 20 on November 6, which is 20% below the average high count. The flight comprised 91 adults, 6 subadults, 11 juveniles, 17 undifferentiated immature birds and 3 birds of unknown age giving an immature:adult ratio of 0.41, which is 23% below the average ratio. The median passage date for the species, for adults and for juvenile birds all fell on October 28, which was later than average. The low counts of the last four years may result from the relative mildness of the weather during the count period and especially the lack of the southward passage of severe arctic cold fronts which tend to accelerate the southward movement of the species as water bodies to the north freeze. The idea that on mild years the species migrates later appears to be borne out by the high numbers of southward-bound Bald Eagles seen after November 25 at the Beauvais Ridge count in 2011 and early 2012 (see last year's fall report). Northern Harrier A total of 6 birds were seen on four days between September 23 and the relatively late date of November 5. Two birds each moved on both September 23 and 30. The total is 43% below average. The count comprised 1 adult male, 1 adult female, 1 undifferentiated female/juvenile, 1 juvenile and 2 intermediate birds, and the median passage date of the species was September 30, three days earlier than average. Sharp-shinned Hawk The total of 63 birds counted on 23 days between September 23 and November 6 was the second lowest fall count for the site and 55% below average. Cooper s Hawk After a high count of 30 birds last year, this year's total of 10 birds equaled the lowest fall count ever at the site and was 55% below average. Northern Goshawk A total of 30 goshawks migrated on 20 days between September 23 and November 5. The total is 14% below average for the site. The highest single-day count was 4 on October 30. The flight comprised 22 adults, 1 juvenile and 7 birds of unknown age, and the median passage date for the species was October 9. Red-tailed Hawk The count of 26 birds on 15 days between September 22 and November 12 was 24% below average. The flight comprised 24 birds of the race B.j.calurus, 15 of which were light morphs (13 adults, 2 juveniles), 3 were rufous (intermediate) morphs (1 adult, 2 juveniles) and 6 were dark morphs (3 adults, 2 juveniles and 1 indeterminate). One bird was an adult dark morph B.j. harlani, and 1 bird was unassignable to race, morph or age. The overall immature:adult ratio was 0.33, which is 36% below average. The species median passage date was October 5.

13 Rough-legged Hawk A total of 61 birds moved on 18 days between October 4 and November 11, with a single-day high count of 16 on October 22. The total and daily maximum was 13% and 50% above average. The flight comprised 44 light, 14 dark and 3 indeterminate morphs giving a dark:light ratio of The median passage date of October 17 was four days later than average. Merlin Five merlins were counted on five days between September 22 and October 6. Three birds (2 adult males and 1 bird of indeterminate sex and age) were ascribed to the race F.c.columbarius, and 2 birds were of unknown race, sex or age. The median passage date for the species was September 25, which is eight days earlier than average. Gyrfalcon The only bird seen was an adult grey morph on October 9. Peregrine Falcon A total of 6 birds was counted on six days between September 30 and the late date of November 5. The count is 12% above average. The flight comprised 3 adults, 1 juvenile and 2 birds of indeterminate age, and the species median passage date of October 5 was one day later than average. Principal Observers at Mount Lorette: George Halmazna (14 days), Terry Waters (11 days), Cliff Hansen (10 days), Bill Wilson (9 days) and Joel Duncan (7 days), with the assistance of Rod Smith (8 days), Kevin Barker (5 days), Cliff Hansen (4 days), Chris Hunt (4 days), Michael Woertman (3 days), Jill and Roderick Bhara (1 day), Jim Davis (1 day), Andrew Hart (1 day), Heinz Unger (1 day) and Fiona Waters (1 day). The Mount Lorette site is located in the Kananaskis Valley in the Front Ranges of the Rocky Mountains 70 km due west of Calgary and immediately northeast of the Nakiska Ski Hill on Mount Allan. At this point the valley trends north-south and cuts obliquely across the northwest-southeast oriented trend of the Front Ranges. East of the observation site, the Fisher Range has an average elevation of about 2500 m with Mt. McDougall rising to 2726 m. Mount Lorette itself is 2487 m and is a continuation of the Fisher Range to the northwest. To the west the mountains of the Kananaskis Range are somewhat higher. The observation site is in a cleared area on the valley floor known as the Hay Meadow at about 1433 m. The site allows 360 o views of the surrounding mountains and allows monitoring of raptors moving along the mountain ridges to the east and west, and especially those crossing the valley between Mount Lorette and the north end of the Fisher Range. This site and Livingstone to the south are unique in that they allow observation of approximately the same high percentage of a population of migratory Golden Eagles both in spring and fall at exactly the same site. Migrating Golden Eagles were first seen moving over Mount Lorette on March 20, 1992, and the first extended (33 day, 280 hour) count was conducted that fall that yielded 2661 migrant raptors of which 2044 were Golden Eagles. Subsequently full-season fall counts (averaging 88 days, 865 hours) were conducted annually at Mount Lorette to 2005 with the exception of From 2006 to 2009 the principal fall observation site was moved to the Piitaistakis-South Livingstone location close to the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass in southwest Alberta, during which time extended comparison counts were conducted at Mount Lorette during the main period of Golden Eagle migration. The Lorette counts in 2006, 2007 and 2008 are considered to be too short for comparison with other years. The period September 20 to November 15 captured an average of 97% of the total Golden Eagle count at Mount Lorette between 1992 and Piitaistakis-South Livingstone For the second consecutive year because of logistical considerations, no systematic daily count was held in fall 2012 at the Piitaistakis-South Livingstone site. The Piitaistakis-South Livingstone site is located at the southern culmination of the north-south oriented Livingstone Range, which is itself the southernmost range of a series of Front Range ridges that originates near the Yukon/British Columbia border in northeast British Columbia. The site is north of Bellevue and east of Frank, both towns in the Municipality of The Crowsnest Pass in southwest Alberta. Elevation of the site is1900 m above sea level. Starting in 1998 reconnaissance counts of three to nine days were conducted at the site in the fall by Doug and Teresa Dolmen, and a single day count there on October 8, 2000 yielded 1071 Golden Eagles. Four complete fall counts were conducted there between 2006 and 2009 with 2007 producing a combined-species count of 8289 birds that included 700 Bald Eagles and 5445 Golden Eagles. In 2007 the name Piitaistakis was added to South Livingstone, the name used previously, to recognize the traditional Piikani (Blackfoot) name for the ridge, which means, appropriately, Place of the