Date: 11/26/24 3:09 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (26 Nov 2024) 34 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 26, 2024
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Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
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:
We have finally been graced by blue skies after a week under a thick cloudy
blanket. The west wind stayed around 20 kph all day. Luckily, we were
relatively sheltered and could stay warm. The temperature rose from 5C to
7C. The barometer dropped slightly.
Raptor Observations:
Our second largest day this November! With 34 raptors from 6 different
species, it was significantly more exciting than most days have been. Some
late Turkey Vulture traveled over in small groups. 2 Harrier flew low over
the lake, almost brushing the water’s surface. One was an adult male. 1
Peregrine flew high and relatively close. Bald Eagle, both local and
migrants, were up most of the day. Our local pair played together over
Celeron. Migrants were seen way up in the sky, moving with a purpose. An
adult Golden Eagle came through inconspicuously but was caught before it
crossed the seawall. Red-tails, our reliable November companion, made up
almost half of our countable raptors.
Non-raptor Observations:
Over 150 Tundra Swan were seen. 70 American White Pelican flew up to the
boat ramp, the closest they have come this year. A Common Loon and several
Merganser were bobbing on Lake Erie. Dunlin flew across the water in front
of us.
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s temperatures will be in the 30s F with light winds from the
west. We expect it to be much like today.
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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
