Fall Owl Banding: Week 5 (10/13-10/19)
Our fifth week at the Straits presented us with a downturn, partly due to multiple days of unsuitable weather. We were forced to either close
Jake Brown
October 20, 2025
Our fifth week at the Straits presented us with a downturn, partly due to multiple days of unsuitable weather. We were forced to either close
We are already past the halfway point of the season! Mid-season counts are notably productive. An impressive diversity of waterfowl are currently on the move
Our fourth week is complete and our time banding owls at the Straits is now halfway over! This was the largest week in terms of
The last week of September was enjoyable for the waterbird count! Winds intensified and shifted from the north, resulting in considerable movement. Geese flights have
Our third week banding at the Straits was eventful in ways other than more northern saw-whet owls (NWSOs)! While we had early closures a few
Late September is an exciting time for the waterbird count! Lots of new migrants are returning as they head south to wintering grounds. Highlights from
After an expected slow start last week, this week was bustling with much more activity! Despite not opening our nets the 22nd due to rain
This was a relatively slow week for waterbirds. Consistent calm southerly winds resulted in little movement from most species. The first big push of Canada
Welcome to the Fall 2025 Owl Banding season at Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch (MSRW)! Before we go over how our first week went, allow us
This was an exciting week for waterbird migration! A string of strong favorable west winds led to productive movements. Dabblers are starting to become more
This week was fairly slow for migration. Calm winds and warm temperatures put a temporary hold on most waterbird movement. Waterbird diversity will increase as
The fall Waterbird count has been off to a fast start! Migrants took advantage of a favorable cold front moving through the area, resulting in
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