(Falco peregrinus)
Migration Timeframe:
Peregrines can be seen migrating through the Hawk Cliff area in
early September, with their numbers increasing through to the end
of the month. Their peak time is usually during the first week of October,
tapering off to month’s end. October is typically the “big” month for
Peregrines (62%)...while in the last 14 years only two Peregrines have
been sighted in November at Hawk Cliff. (Click on the graph to the right
to enlarge it ...then just use the "X" to close the pop-up window when you're done.
|
Year |
Peak Week |
Avg |
|
2002-2007 |
Sep 29-Oct 05 |
49 |
|
Year |
Peak Week |
Count |
|
2008 |
Sep 15-21 |
18 |
|
Year |
Earliest
Obs |
Count |
Year |
Latest
Obs |
Count |
|
2002-2007 |
Sep 01 2001 |
2 |
2002-2007 |
Nov 08 2005 |
1 |
|
2008 |
Sep 10 |
1 |
2008 |
Oct 18 |
2 |
Where to Watch:
The majority of Peregrines can be seen migrating right along the
Cliff....riding the updrafts created by strong SW winds. Even on
winds blowing from other directions, most Peregrines pass by between Sharpie Alley
(just north of the Cliff) and the Cliff itself. You'll notice they
rarely need to flap at all as they cruise past...but if they do they
use a distinct and powerful rowing motion.
High Counts:
In the last few years the number of Peregrines migrating past the Hawk
Cliff hawkwatch have been steadily increasing. However, in 2008 the
Peregrine numbers were way down and the suspicion is that they
migrated along a different route than past the Hawk Cliff area. No
new high counts were set this year.
|
1-Year |
Count |
1-Month |
Count |
|
2007 |
148 |
Oct 2007 |
118 |
|
1-Day |
Count |
1-Hour |
Count |
|
Oct 03 2007 |
47 |
Sep 27 2006 |
10 |
Yearly Totals:
The 2008 yearly total was less than the 10-Year average and
not even half the 5-Year average. (averages are based on 1998-2007 and
2003-2007 counts).
|
Year |
Count |
Year |
Count |
Year |
Count |
|
1995 |
134 |
2000 |
64 |
2005 |
116 |
|
1996 |
77 |
2001 |
30 |
2006 |
101 |
|
1997 |
50 |
2002 |
141 |
2007 |
148 |
|
1998 |
32 |
2003 |
88 |
2008 |
50 |
|
1999 |
69 |
2004 |
61 |
2009 |
N/A |
|
10-Yr Avg |
5-Yr Avg |
|
85 |
103 |
Interesting Facts:
-
This species has a very expansive wintering range including
the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean and northern countries of South
America. A juvenile bird from Ontario was tracked all the
way to the southern tip of Argentina!!
-
Males are ALWAYS smaller than females
-
Juveniles often measure longer than adults due to longer tail
feathers
-
They can dive at their prey at VERY high speeds in excess of 300 kph!!!
They typically strike their prey from above breaking the target
bird's neck
