This week of the count was definitely a whirlwind! It started out with a handful of days of rain, strong north wind, and chilly temps which led to some pretty terrible migration days. While none of the days were complete washouts, they were reduced to just a few hours of count time. But, I had no zero bird days, so that made the days worth it. Once the weather finally cleared, there were four days of great migration! Thursday brought sunny skies but strong north wind, but the birds were determined to get a move on. Friday really picked up when the wind shifted to western wind, and the next two days of strong eastern wind brought the birds. The week ended with the eclipse, which was an awesome experience. This week brought a total of 763 new raptors and a season total of 1,970.
This week also brought some pretty strong pushes of Red-tails and Turkey Vultures. Peak migration for both of these species should be coming up soon, so I am expecting to get even more of them over the next week or two. Sharp-shinned Hawks are also starting up slow, but they will start coming through in large numbers soon as well. Rough-legged hawks had their day on Sunday the 7th, with 18 total individuals, the biggest day total so far! The first American Kestrels have made an appearance, with the first of them showing up on the 2nd. Not many yet, but I know many more are on way.
Numbers are still on track to be an incredible season, with higher totals than average for many species. A new record has been set for season totals of Golden Eagles, currently at 113 individuals with more to come! Previously, the record was 108, made just last year. Also, American Goshawks have really been having their season! With a total of 7 so far, I have seen over twice as many Goshawks as I had seen last year, and interestingly, a lot more than what the Mackinaw City hawk watch has seen!. All have been low and close, quickly popping up out of the trees just in front of the lookout and most making a beeline for the trees behind the fort. A few have given a show, sometimes circling around a few times to show off their awesomeness before continuing on their journey north. Exciting to see so many of these really cool birds, and I am hoping that there will be more before the end of the season.
This upcoming week looks like there could be a handful of promising weather days, as well as another storm system in the middle of the week. Will the “big Red-tail day” be sometime this week? I am looking forward to warm weather, sunny skies, and some good birds.
