🦅3.30 Raptor Station: 2024 Chengdu Longmen Mountain Raptor Monitoring Report 2 (Spring)
This week belongs to the Common Buzzard. Here’s a brief summary:
Weekly Data Summary: From March 24 to March 30, a total of 20 species and 1,230 raptors were identified at Dutongyan, Chongzhou. At Niuxinshan, Pengzhou, 2 species and 4 raptors were identified. Additionally, at Puhong Road, Dujiangyan, 4 species and 168 raptors were recorded.
Special Observations: This week, 18 Black Kites were recorded, while the Northern Goshawk continued its strong presence with 46 recorded. A rare sighting of the Pallid Harrier occurred again, and 2 Crested Goshawks also attracted attention.
Other Birds: After the rain on the 25th, a Black Stork appeared.
Summary of this wk's data
The first half of the week was primarily rainy. On the 24th (Sunday), only single-digit records were noted at both Dùtǒngyán and Niuxin Mountain. A brief clear spell on the 25th (Monday) surprised everyone in Chengdu, turning the eastern high points of the city into a hub for birdwatching enthusiasts. Although the Dùtǒngyán monitoring point on the western edge of the basin couldn't offer views of Yao Mei or Gongga, it provided stunning scenes of the sea of clouds. Overall, it was a promising day for sightings.
Sea of Clouds at Dùtǒngyán
Black Stork
On the 26th, “Magical Tuesday,” the first week saw sightings of the White-tailed Eagle and the White-shouldered Eagle, while this week featured the White-tailed Eagle and the Crested Honey Buzzard—quality over quantity marked the day.
White-tailed Eagle
According to forecasts, the 28th (Thursday) and 29th (Friday) promised full sunny days following the rain. True to expectations, on Thursday nearly 500 Common Buzzards passed through, along with a rich variety of other bird species. A Crested Honey Buzzard made a second appearance, prompting a reminder about the possibility of local individuals; comparisons suggested they were indeed two different individuals.
Different Individuals of Crested Honey Buzzard, Based on Feather Wear
Finally, here’s a recap of the week's standout sightings:
Mountain Hawk Eagle
Peregrine Falcon Gliding Through the Forest
Common Buzzards Flying Alongside the Upland Buzzard
On to week 3…. lesgoooo