Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch - Beamer Conservation Area Grimsby, Ontario, Canada OVER 50 YEARS Of ANNUAL SPRING COUNTS Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 24, 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 1 1 Turkey Vulture 23 2902 6368 Osprey 0 23 28 Bald Eagle 0 27 73 Northern Harrier 1 18 29 Sharp-shinned Hawk 109 627 747 Cooper's Hawk 1 45 96 American Goshawk 0 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 17 232 Broad-winged Hawk 8 1947 1947 Red-tailed Hawk 3 285 690 Rough-legged Hawk 0 2 9 Golden Eagle 0 0 3 American Kestrel 0 19 22 Merlin 1 7 9 Peregrine Falcon 0 1 4 Unknown Accipitrine 1 11 13 Unknown Buteo 0 7 19 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 2 2 Unknown Raptor 1 3 5 Total: 148 5945 10298 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours Official Counter: Katherine Stoltz Observers: David Thomas, Tom Thomas Visitors: Lorna and Al from Calgary were the longest distance migrants, Chris and his son Gabriel (hawkcounter in training), Alf Adamo, Nick from Niagara Falls and Marty from Mississauga, and a welcome visit from Sandy Darling and wife Jeni. Weather: A mix of sun and cloud with light winds shifting from southwest early in the morning to northeast late in the afternoon. The predicted high of 25 degrees did not materialize, but it was a comfortable 19 degrees at the end of the count. Raptor Observations: A bit of a letdown after yesterday's spectacular flight, but we tallied 7 species with Sharpies the clear winner, followed by Turkey Vultures a distant 2nd, and Broadwings taking the bronze. No kettles. The flight path started low to the north over the escarpment, and continued north or over the tower, with few taking the far south route. Local TV, RT and CH as well as a local Merlin. Non-raptor Observations: A lovely view of Pileated Woodpecker flying over the tower. Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, Purple Martin, and the usual cast of Ruby-crowned Kinglets and White-throated Sparrows. Predictions: Northeast winds predicted, but possibility of showers. Hopefully still a few good sightings to come. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Darling (darlinga@cogeco.ca) Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch - Beamer Conservation Area information may be found at: http://www.niagarapeninsulahawkwatch.org/ More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=389 Site Description: Hawk migration monitoring at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby, Ontario is conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (NPH). All counting is done by volunteers. Not all members are counters nor does a counter have to be a member. Typically one person is the designated counter for each day but other observers present assist with the spotting and identification. Counting is done from a steel observation tower with a wooden floor. For wind protection on cold days, particularly in March, a black plastic wind guard is installed around the tower's platform. This platform easily accommodates ten people but on most busy days, no more than five or six observers would be on it. The site lies within a publicly accessible property owned by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. There is no charge for admittance. Only the counter and designated spotters can drive into and park in the conservation area; there is a parking lot outside for visitors. The tower stands in the centre of a mowed area with a gravel ring road near the outer edge. This provides lots of room to set up lawn chairs, telescopes and cameras. Toilet facilities are present. During the counting season, the NPH erect a counting board to display seven day's worth of observation data for the public. The box enclosing the sign contains brochures and silhouette sheets for the public as well as bulletin boards with news and historical sighting records. Directions to site: To get to Beamer CA, take the QEW to Exit 71/72, follow Christie St./Mountain St. to the top of the escarpment, turn right on Ridge Road West, and go 1.6km to Quarry Rd. Turn right on Quarry Rd. and drive 100m to the conservation area. If parking at the entrance or on the roads, do NOT leave valuables in your car. Please note: 1) Data in this report is not official until reviewed and finalized after the end of the season. ©2020 Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch. 2) Vehicular traffic into the park is allowed, but visitors are asked to have their cars outside the gate by 3PM. If parking at the gate DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE!!!