Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 23, 2012 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 152 461 461 Osprey 1 48 48 Bald Eagle 21 91 91 Northern Harrier 4 74 74 Sharp-shinned Hawk 107 912 912 Cooper's Hawk 10 52 52 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 30278 38518 38518 Swainson's Hawk 2 3 3 Red-tailed Hawk 13 63 63 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 12 278 278 Merlin 0 16 16 Peregrine Falcon 1 12 12 Unknown Accipiter 1 9 9 Unknown Buteo 2 2 2 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 8 17 17 Total: 30612 40557 40557 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours Official Counter: Jonathan Stein Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Don Sherwood, Jim Lynch Visitors: More than 70 including another large group of students from Michigan State. Thanks to everyone who aided in spotting. Weather: It was mostly cloudy, bordering on overcast for much of the day. There were times when it appeared significant clearing would occur but it never really did. A few pop-up showers spit down misty rain on occasion. The wind was out of the west and northwest. Raptor Observations: Well, that was fun. The floodgates opened today, albeit a little later than normal. And based on the quality of the flight, it's difficult to say the wait wasn't worth it. The heavy cloud cover brought many raptors way down low, allowing for some sensational looks at an awe-inspiring number of very close Broad-winged Hawks. Mixed in among the many Broadwings were a smattering of Redtails, Turkey Vultures and, of particular note, a couple Swainson's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (15,000+) continued their southward march. Small numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds (50+) and American Goldfinches (30+) passed overhead. And a couple Lesser Yellowlegs gave us a fly-by. But the highlight of the day (at least non-raptor-wise) was watching two bucks ford the channel, their heads and antlers the only thing visible above the water. Predictions: Sunny and clear with strong winds out of the southwest. Could be a few more birds left. And if there are, hopefully they don't get blown too far north. ======================================================================== 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/
