Date: 11/13/24 5:42 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (13 Nov 2024) 109 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 13, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 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. 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: Wind! Consistent at 20-25kph from the ESE, it dictated the flight today. The sky started clear and became overcast in the afternoon, the temperature rose from 7 to 11 C, and the barometer dropped throughout the count.
Raptor Observations: Today was a Red-tail day. They flew reliably, with about 10 in each hour. Out of the 54 individuals spotted, I can only remember seeing three wing beats; no need for flapping with such a strong wind to push them onwards. They soared so high they seemed to materialize from the clouds, just before the tree line. Turkey Vulture came in three afternoon groups. They moved fast in the wind but did manage to stop and kettle, albeit only for a few seconds. Other species arrived in single digits: Coop, Harrier, Bald Eagle, and Red-shouldered.
Non-raptor Observations: A few crows were seen in the morning. 20 pelicans made an appearance over Canada in the afternoon.
Predictions: Rain is predicted for the duration of the count tomorrow. Hopefully we will find a break in the showers to count some birds.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
