Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 25, 2023 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 0 79133 81266 Osprey 0 2 53 Bald Eagle 0 23 95 Northern Harrier 2 103 458 Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 2742 6495 Cooper's Hawk 0 39 50 American Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 169 169 Broad-winged Hawk 0 108 107690 Swainson's Hawk 0 1 1 Red-tailed Hawk 0 741 827 Rough-legged Hawk 0 9 9 Golden Eagle 0 5 5 American Kestrel 1 288 1273 Merlin 0 11 42 Peregrine Falcon 0 20 40 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 1 2 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 14 83395 198476 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter: Andrew Sturgess, Kevin Georg Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Jackie Quinones, Sam Heilman 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: To be fair, it seemed that the birds gave up before we did. The chances of rain had increased overnight and after three dull hours of watching, with only fourteen birds to show for it, we called the watch when the rain arrived. The SSW winds grew from a zephyr to ten mph rather quickly upon our arrival. This is not usually a productive wind for us so our expectations were not high. The unseasonal temperatures continued, reaching the sixty-degree range but winter is coming. Break out the union suit for next week. Raptor Observations: It’s a rare day in October when you don’t see a turkey vulture but we managed it today. None were spotted on the drive to the site by anyone so they may be sitting this dance out. Sharpies regained the top step today, but it was hardly their finest hour, with just eleven winning the laurels. Northern harriers were spotted twice crossing the lake. One kestrel was noted. Non-raptor Observations: There was little else moving today. A few gulls and Forster’s terns kept us company. Less than fifty crows flew by. Some small blue jay flocks moved through. Starlings and red-wings were also noted in small groups. One of the kingfishers made a cameo appearance. Predictions: Tomorrow will bear a strong resemblance to today. Cloudy skies will prevail and there are low percentage chances of showers. The winds will be even stronger from the SSW, climbing up to fifteen mph by days end. The barometer will start to decline around midday. Temps should be higher since the southern winds will bring more heat, but don’t get used to it, since temps in the low forties and high winds, making it feel even colder, are due over the weekend. Saturday may be a good day when the wind turns northerly, but probably slim pickings tomorrow. ======================================================================== 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