Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 23, 2023 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 89 901 901 Osprey 0 48 48 Bald Eagle 1 67 67 Northern Harrier 2 320 320 Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 3498 3498 Cooper's Hawk 0 8 8 American Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 233 107362 107362 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 1 59 59 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 4 889 889 Merlin 1 29 29 Peregrine Falcon 1 16 16 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 1 1 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 356 113199 113199 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Kevin Georg Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Bill Peregord, Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady, Sabrina Salome Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site and are very willing to share migration information, photography and ID tips with them. We have cards and pamphlets, so come and talk to us. However, during times of high traffic, requiring extra focus and concentration, we would respectfully ask that everyone use their indoor voices and allow us to fulfill our mission to the best of our abilities. Thank you. Weather: When historians pore over the annals of the Detroit River Hawk Watch, they won’t pause very long on today’s page. Unlike yesterday, when the winds provided little relief from the heat, today’s wind provided plenty of cooling for the seventy-two degrees that presented itself. The winds started at five mph as we started the watch, but grew to a fierce ten-mph blast with significant gusts from mostly an eastern direction. This had the effect of scouring the skies of most migrants. Cumulus clouds were spaced in such a manner that they would have been useful as signposts to mark the passage of raptors, had there been any. The barometer was falling during the day, but still remained comfortably over thirty inches. Raptor Observations: Our second hour was the most productive, broadwings and turkey vultures were cutting the corner of the lake when the wind was at lower speeds. During the last three hours of the watch, we never broke our duck. Broadwings led the way with 233 birds. Turkey vultures hit the scales at eighty-nine. Sharp-shins stayed in the game with twenty-four, well off last week’s numbers. Only four kestrels were noted. Harriers were also a disappointment with only two making the clicker. Showing even less enthusiasm were the bald eagles, red-tails, merlins and peregrines, with only one of each passing by. Non-raptor Observations: The gulls seemed to be fond of the high winds as they kettled in large numbers seeking insect protein. The occasional warbler fought its way over. Caspian terns continue to provide entertainment as they dive for snacks and in turn are chased by gulls after they snare them. Ducks continue to pass by, but most are mallards. The large number of cormorants have not been seen for a couple of days but I suspect they are nearby. The blue jays are now present in clicker-worthy numbers, but not enough to generate heat in the gears. Predictions: Tomorrow will mirror some of today’s numbers. Temperatures will be in a similar range. The barometer will continue to fall but it has been very high and will maintain its membership in the thirty-inch range. Skies should be mostly sunny. The winds are predicted to be from the NE, staying above five mph, topping out at eight mph. Usually, this is a good wind for us so possibly we may benefit, if the forecast is accurate, and the winds are not too strong. After today, we deserve a good day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Sturgess (ajyes72@gmail.com) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=285 Count data submitted via Dunkadoo - Project info at: https://dunkadoo.org/explore/detroit-river-international-wildlife-refuge/detroit-river-hawk-watch-fall-2023