Presence of Hawks in the Niagara Region
_ Every year, hawk typically travel
long migratory routes for short distances at a time. They fly during the
day relying on wind patterns to guide them while resting at night
(Ferguson-Lees & Christie, 2001, p.17). The Niagara Region is an
attractive place for large birds due to the high number of updraft
winds. Updrafts allow them to avoid Lake Ontario and guide them
further along their migratory route. Updrafts are created when strong
cooler winds blow onshore from Lake Ontario and combine with the warmer
winds on land. Eventually, the mixed winds crash into the escarpment and
have no other option but to rise (The Niagara Escarpment Commission,
p.5).
Hawks and other birds of prey also rely on "thermals" for flying and traveling long distances over water. Thermals are created by the spring sunshine warming the cool ground creating pockets of hot air that rise. The birds will seek out a thermal and travel around in a circle while they slowly rise. Once they reach the desired height, they will glide for long distances, expending little energy. During the spring months, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are too cool to produce thermals, forcing all of the migrating birds to travel over land. Thus the Niagara Region experiences a large influx of these birds during the migratory season (NPHW, 2011).
The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch is currently the only organization within the region that provides numerical counts for each species of hawk in the area. Every year, a summary of each hawk is made and compared to the previous years observations. They also compare their data with other hawk watching organizations across North America to monitor population trends . They are a volunteer organization of experienced bird watchers that base their viewing location at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby (Niagara Pennisula Hawkwatch, 2011).
According to the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (2010), The Niagara Region hosts seven different species of hawks that consistently return during the migrating months.The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch's total observed counts from 1975 - 2011 can be seen here .
Hawks and other birds of prey also rely on "thermals" for flying and traveling long distances over water. Thermals are created by the spring sunshine warming the cool ground creating pockets of hot air that rise. The birds will seek out a thermal and travel around in a circle while they slowly rise. Once they reach the desired height, they will glide for long distances, expending little energy. During the spring months, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are too cool to produce thermals, forcing all of the migrating birds to travel over land. Thus the Niagara Region experiences a large influx of these birds during the migratory season (NPHW, 2011).
The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch is currently the only organization within the region that provides numerical counts for each species of hawk in the area. Every year, a summary of each hawk is made and compared to the previous years observations. They also compare their data with other hawk watching organizations across North America to monitor population trends . They are a volunteer organization of experienced bird watchers that base their viewing location at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby (Niagara Pennisula Hawkwatch, 2011).
According to the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch (2010), The Niagara Region hosts seven different species of hawks that consistently return during the migrating months.The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch's total observed counts from 1975 - 2011 can be seen here .
Where to see hawks in the Niagara Region
Hawks can be seen almost anywhere in the region, provided you're far enough away from human settlement. You'll have a greater chance of seeing one if you're hiking through the forest or going for a bike ride along the escarpment's edge, than driving along in the busy city. For those interested in learning about and seeing these magnificent birds, we urge you to visit the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch website. We also suggest you check out the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority's list of conservation areas that can be found throughout the region. This list also includes the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area which is regarded as the best place in the region to see hawks and other birds of prey.
Below is a map highlighting some of the more common places to see hawks and other birds of prey. More information on all of these places can be found on the conservation area link above.
Below is a map highlighting some of the more common places to see hawks and other birds of prey. More information on all of these places can be found on the conservation area link above.