Date: 11/1/24 5:17 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (01 Nov 2024) 810 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that 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: Cloudy in the morning, and then sun and cloud. Winds from west and north-west with velocity of up to 21 km/hour (13 mi/hr). Temperature reached +11C (52F) in late afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Raptor migration, slowed down by warm, summer-like weather last week, resumed today. The main actors were predictably Turkey Vultures (709) and Red-tailed Hawks (63). Sharp-shinned Hawks were at low (19 birds) and all other species in single digits. Hard work by Don and others was rewarded by sightings of two Golden Eagles and one distant Rough-legged Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Several flocks of American Crows (a total of 225) and one Blue Jay were counted in the area. Although, White Pelicans are daily seen between Celeron Island and the tip of Canada (Amherst Pointe), one group of ten or so were seen much closer than usual. Bonaparte's Gulls (up to 15-20) periodically enter the Boat Rump area, but did not stay long.
Predictions: A bright sunny day with light winds is expected tomorrow. It seems that wind will come from north and east in the morning, and shift to south in early afternoon. Temperature will remain below +13C (55 F). We anticipate to see some bird movement earlier in the day, e.g., between 11 AM and noon, while easterly winds last. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
