Date: 10/30/24 6:46 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (30 Oct 2024) 285 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2024
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark!
Come visit us for ID tips and other educational information. While we
welcome your questions and company, please know our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to
successfully conduct the count and they also must maintain an unobstructed
view of the horizon.
Weather:
The unseasonably warm weather continued today. Temperatures ranged from 18C
- 24C (64F - 75F). A strong SSW breeze continued to strip the leaves off
our maple, although the leaves hit us with less vigor than yesterday. Cloud
cover increased throughout the day and the barometer remained around 30
inHg.
Raptor Observations:
285 raptors today, only slightly worse than yesterday. The bulk, of course,
were Turkey Vulture. 270 vultures glided across the treetops to the North.
They flickered in and out of the haze, traveling painfully slow in the
headwind. 2 Kestral, 7 Red-tail, 2 Sharp-shins, and 3 Bald Eagle also
braved the wind.
Non-raptor Observations:
Although there were not many migrants, we still had a wonderful time
observing our local diversity. A local Bald Eagle with a fish was chased
and harassed by a young Herring Gull. Unfortunately for the gull, its
attempts to make the eagle drop its snack were unsuccessful. The local
Cooper’s was observed shadowing another Starling ball. The same Coop was
also seen hunting the Gibraltar birdfeeders. Lots of Asian lady beetles
continued to crawl around us, but we also found a native twice-stabbed
ladybug! A red-veined meadowhawk dragonfly caught a fly and ate it at our
feet.
Predictions:
Tomorrow is predicted to be similar to our last two days: temperatures in
the high 60s, strong SSW winds, and variable cloud cover. However, we do
have a chance for afternoon rain showers. Halloween may not be the best day
for our migrants, but we are hopeful that the incoming rain and cold front
will bring a glorious Friday flight.
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Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
