Date: 10/23/26 4:24 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (23 Oct 2026) 2253 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 23, 2026
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Bella Maiwurm
Observers: Jerry Jourdan, Johannes Postma, Rosemary Brady
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site at the Lake Erie Metropark Boat Launch. We
are always willing to discuss the events of the day. Let us share our
enthusiasm with you. There will be busy days, that may require our full
attention, but those are not that frequent, and they provide great thrills
for all. We can predict good days to some degree, but the exact hour is up
to the birds, so be prepared to put in some time for the best results. Pack
a lunch 🍂
Weather:
It was eerie on Lake Erie this morning, with dense fog covering our usual
landmarks well into the day. Lifting little by little, boats on the lake
beyond Celeron Island emerged from the veil of fog by early afternoon. The
air felt cooler than the thermometer suggested, assisted by the high
humidity, fog cover, and real temperature of forty-eight degrees. The
temperature rose to sixty-four degrees with humidity down in the forties by
days end. Barometer pressure stayed relatively steady, fluctuating around
thirty point three six all day. The wind came and went, often at zero with
brief intermissions between five and ten mph from the north and east.
Raptor Observations:
Once the fog subsided, the turkey vultures were able to make a break for
it. Two thousand and eleven individuals made their way across the water to
the warmer weather that awaits them. Red-tails had another good day with
one hundred and fifty-seven. One of my favorites, it was fun to see many of
them take a lower line, allowing nice observations of their various
markings, no two are alike! Sharp-shins made a resurgence with fifty-two
embarking south. Four northern harriers, three Cooper�s hawks, and one bald
eagle finished the day.
Non-raptor Observations:
The count site was quiet of much of its gull and swallow life, for part of
the day anyways. As the fog lifted more, swaths of ring-billed gulls could
be seen beside numerous cormorants further out on the lake. I hope they
enjoyed a good bait ball. The tree swallows came out in droves as the fog
lifted as well. The male kingfisher made a single fly-by. Tis the season of
hermit thrushes and white-throated sparrows, their songs could be heard
through the morning mist. Eighty-five crows rowed overhead with twenty blue
jays following some time later. Four brave monarchs were seen, I hope they
hurry on south.
Predictions:
Tomorrow should be similar once again. Temperatures in the sixties, wind
peaking around six mph from the east, and mostly sunny skies. The barometer
will continue to be high, around thirty point three eight. Winds will not
be in our favorite direction, but sunny skies and good lift will hopefully
coax some birds across.
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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
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