Different species of animals migrate at various times of the year for many reasons including food/habitat availability and breeding requirements. As the season has progressed, many species (such as dabbling ducks) have already passed through. Other late season migrants are only just entering their flight window. Species on the move this week include Long-tailed Duck (3,344), Greater Scaup (328), Common Loon (382), White-winged Scoter (142), Bonaparte’s Gull (134) and Common Tern (89).
The week was off to a hot start with the largest loon flight of the season on May 2nd. The day totaled 281 Common Loon and 1 Red-throated Loon, all flying West into a strong NW headwind. During impressive movements, single groups of loons can often reach double digits. Today’s count included flocks of 11 and 13 individuals flying West over the bridge.
White-winged Scoters are finally making a late-season push after being absent for much of April. A high count of 72 during a NW wind on May 3rd helped to produce a weekly total of 142. Both species of dark-winged scoter (Surf and Black) utilize the Straits more often during fall migration. The count has recorded 2 Surf Scoter and 0 Black Scoter so far this spring.
The Straits has already started to turn up some early spring rarities. On April 24th, a female Harlequin Duck was found at the Straits State Harbor by Jeff Dykehouse and continues this week. This is likely a returning individual back for the 3rd consecutive spring – using the harbor as a stopover site during its migration. On May 2nd, a Loggerhead Shrike was reported from Mackinac City by Grant Marlow, a visiting birder. The shrike was present for 4 days, occasionally singing, and allowing great looks for many birders as it hunted insects and impaled them on branches.
