Date: 11/25/24 3:58 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (25 Nov 2024) 2 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 25, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl, Jerry Jourdan, 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: Overcast; moderate winds from south-east of up to 11 km/hour (7 mi/hour). Milder than yesterday; temperature steady at +9C (48F).
Raptor Observations: Slim pickings, only 2 birds. Both came between 11 AM and noon. The first, female Rough-legged Hawk, circled overhead, probably musing about Ben, who finally rejoined our ranks. The second bird was a distant Red-shouldered Hawk. No Red-tails or Cooper's. Resident Bald Eagles entertained us occasionally, flying up or down the river, though mainly remained in perches, reluctant to fly.
Non-raptor Observations: Ben spotted a flock of twenty Tundra Swans flying over the lake. We also heard Sandhill Cranes, from a distance. A Northern Flicker carried it cherished trophy, a peanut, to a safe hiding place. From time to time, we scanned the ranks of Bonaparte's Gulls, hoping to spot one of their lesser cousins, but did not find any. That is all.
Predictions: Strong winds from the west, sunny skies and colder temperatures are in store for tomorrow. Perhaps, some raptors will be arround, but we can offer no guarantees. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
