Date: 9/22/25 5:50 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (22 Sep 2025) 33 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 22, 2025
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Jo Patterson
Observers: Bill Peregord, Jerry Jourdan
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site as we are eager to share the joys of hawk
watching with one and all. Although there may be times in which we are all
very busy and need alone-time to concentrate, those are the times that are
most enjoyable for visitors as the skies are filled with migrating raptors.
Weather:
The sky remained overcast all day, a thick stratus layer stretched above us
in mottled shades, dark and bright patches quilted together. A steady rain
fell from 11:00 to 12:30, halting the count until it passed. Southwest
winds rose and fell unpredictably, and the barometer hovered below 30
inches. Temperatures never rose above 75°F, and occasional gusts of wind
cut through the humidity, briefly stirring the heavy, stagnant air.
Raptor Observations:
The morning drizzle of birds was cut short by the actual drizzle. When the
rain passed and the count resumed, a small push followed—mostly
sharp-shins that had likely waited out the weather nearby. The final two
hours produced only three more sharpies, but at least the day offered
practice in patience. Twenty-seven sharpies, four kestrels, and two
harriers were counted for a grand total of thirty-three today, not our best
but at least not our worst.
Non-raptor Observations:
The boat ramp was eerily quiet today. Early in the morning, a few shots
from hunters sent a mixed flock of Wood Duck, Mallard, and Canada Goose up
our inlet. For the most part, the gulls remained silent. One Ring-Billed
Gull gave a few squawks as it discovered—and promptly swallowed—a
bluegill. A local Bald Eagle made two passes at a floating fish before
abandoning the attempt and turning to harass an Osprey for its meal, which
also proved unsuccessful. Nine hundred Blue Jays were seen migrating,
mostly in small flocks.
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks like more of the same… overcast skies, SW winds, and a
chance of precipitation. We expect a few sharp-shins, kestrels, and
possibly a harrier or two, but are not holding out hope for high numbers.
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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
