DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2011
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Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
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Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 211 211 51645
Osprey 0 0 85
Bald Eagle 0 0 180
Northern Harrier 2 2 226
Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 16 5250
Cooper's Hawk 15 15 667
Northern Goshawk 2 2 12
Red-shouldered Hawk 46 46 250
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 195858
Swainson's Hawk 0 0 5
Red-tailed Hawk 348 348 2184
Rough-legged Hawk 1 1 9
Golden Eagle 14 14 109
American Kestrel 1 1 663
Merlin 0 0 20
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 18
Unknown Accipiter 2 2 58
Unknown Buteo 12 12 53
Unknown Falcon 0 0 3
Unknown Eagle 0 0 2
Unknown Raptor 10 10 34
Total: 680 680 257331
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jonathan Stein
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Fred Kirn, John Elliott, Patrick Mulawa,
Rodney Laura
Visitors:
Kevin Danchisen was around in the morning. Jim Maki stopped by in the
afternoon, spotted both goshawks and then decided to call it a day.
Weather:
Today was cool and clear throughout. Fog was present in the morning but
really wasn't much of a factor. The wind, light at the start, strengthened
as the day went on and was mostly out of the south, turning southeast late.
Raptor Observations:
A most enjoyable day of migration observation. The first two hours weren't
much to write home about. But once the birds got up and flying, there was a
steady procession from 1100 am on. It was another big day for golden eagles
(14) and red-tailed hawks (348). Two more northern goshawks came in close
and gave great looks, one dipping way down and buzzing the boat launch.
Riding the south winds, many birds crossed far to our north, making
spotting a challenge at times.
Non-raptor Observations:
The first snow buntings of the season were seen today. Seven passed
overhead during the first hour of the watch. A brown creeper was foraging
in the spruce in the morning. A flock of 25 cedar waxwings flew past in the
afternoon. A red-breasted nuthatch was heard at one point. More and more
bonaparte's gulls can be seen foraging in the channel. American crows
continue to pass over in huge numbers. Also, a single, very late Monarch
was observed late in the day.
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks to be a lot like today, except possibly a little warmer with
highs in the upper 60s. The wind will be light to moderate and again out of
the south. Should be another good day.
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Report submitted by Jonathan Stein ([email protected])
SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at:
http://www.drhawkwatch.org
Site Description:
The primary site used by the Detroit River Hawk Watch (a joint venture of
the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and it's Friends group, the
International Wildlife Refuge Alliance) is the Boat Launch at Lake Erie
Metropark located approximately 20 miles south of Detroit, Michigan. A
secondary site, the Headquarters of Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is used
during certain wind conditions. When staffing is available, both sites can
be used at the same time. The season begins on the first day of September
and concludes on the final day of November. For details and directions, log
on to www.drhawkwatch.org
Directions to site:
Lake Erie Metropark:
>From I-75, exit at Huron River Drive (exit 27). Continue east on Huron
River Drive. Turn left on West Jefferson and proceed a few hundred yards to
the entrance of Lake Erie Metropark. After paying the entrance fee, follow
the signs to the Boat Launch.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
