Northern Alberta Birding Hotline

Yesterday, Sept.26, Fred Whiley & I made another visit to Misty Ridge in  hopes of a movement of raptors on the forecast gusty winds.  We made a brief stop at the Vega Natural Area to admire & photograph the changing colours along the Athabasca River.  Well the winds were howling NW up to 60km/h & by 11:00 am we had our first raptor, an imm. Bald Eagle gliding over the bldg.  During the rest of the afternoon we were treated to 14 Bald Eagles (3 imm. & 11 adults) cruising by.  They were cutting across the prevailing winds heading mostly west.  With wings tucked back would just pitch up & down slightly but still move quickly past without ever flapping the wings.  Very amazing to watch!  We also had 4 Sharp-shin Hawks, & 1 imm. Northern Goshawk.  This day already surpasses my best observation day from this spring & migration is just getting started!   We saw no other raptors at Misty Ridge,  however on the drive up a total of 4 Redtail Hawks were observed & the Swainson's Hawk is still sitting at Clyde corner.  We finished the day with a 70km drive heading NE through the Vega Sandhills & Hubert Lake Wildland Park to a wonderful Harvest Supper in Flatbush where we encouraged to stuff ourselves, which we did in true fashion!  The communities really know how to put on a feast & all for $10 !!

Next stop Misty Ridge to Jarvie on the ENC trip Oct.17 for a repeat feast.