Talons Over Mackinac – March 5 2021

Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch Newsletter
March 5, 2021


Two Days Left to Fund Location Transmitters for Hawks

You may have seen the Feb. 26 email alert from MSRW about the unique opportunity to learn more about the movements of Red-tailed Hawks that pass through the Straits.  Owl and hawk banding contractor Nick Alioto seeks to place backpack transmitters on the birds to gather data supporting his Master’s degree research at Michigan State University.  You can still give to support this work to unravel the mysteries of migration, receiving different benefits at the $1,359, $500 and other giving levels.  Along with fitting the birds with these transmitters, Nick will continue to band other hawks and eagles that he catches in Mackinaw City this spring.  As a bonus, Nick may bring hawks to the hawk watch for guests to see first-hand!

Red-tailed Hawk previously banded by Nick Alioto
Executive Director needed for MSRW
 
Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch is currently seeking to hire an Executive Director to guide and help implement our mission and strategic plan, coordinating with dozens of volunteers.  The position will remain open until it is filled.  Please check out the the job description by visiting the link above, and alert every potential candidate and place you know of our opening.

Spring Hawk Watch Starts March 5 (Today!)

Calvin Brennan from Grayling, the fall 2020 MSRW hawk counter, returns to count for his first spring season with us.  He will be on duty in Mackinaw City near the Recreation Center from March 5 to June 10.  

Calvin Brennan and Socially Distanced MSRW Hawk Watchers
Special COVID-19 instructions to guests: Please respect our paid contractors, volunteers, and other guests by wearing your mask and staying at least six feet apart. Even though we are outdoors, exercise utmost caution because not everyone will have had vaccines.  Please help keep yourself and everyone there healthy. 

Welcome new MSRW Board Members

In January, MSRW welcomed three new members to the Board of Directors: Scott Davis, Jeff Dykehouse, and John Merrill.  We recently bid a fond farewell to retiring Board members Josh Haas and Susan Stewart.  Board and committee volunteer positions are still available in Marketing, Education, and Fundraising.


Mark Your Calendars for Speaker Series “Raptors Revealed

 You are welcome to attend, for free, any or all of the following programs via Zoom.  All talks will be at 4 pm EDT.  Programs are limited to the first 100 attendees.In the same time period, you may enjoy an on-line auction to benefit MSRW.  Stay tuned as we will send out invitations to register soon!

  • April 15 – Joys of Hawk Watching: Basics to Beyond BY John Richardson, Hawk Count Director and Naturalist, Hawk Ridge, Duluth Minnesota
  •  April 22 – Hawks on the Wing: Identifying Raptors in Flight BY Josh Haas, Vice Chair, Hawk Migration Association of North America
  •  April 29 – Chasing Broad-wings from Pennsylvania to Peru! BY Dr. Laurie Goodrich, Director of Conservation, Sarkis Acopian Center for Conservation Learning, Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, Pennsylvania

Auction for MSRW at Bidding Owl in late April

 When MSRW explored options for doing an on-line auction to replace the silent auction fundraiser normally held during the Mackinaw Raptor Fest, BiddingOwl.com attracted our attention.  Besides the great name, it boasts of being the #1 website for non-profit fundraising. Items from generous individuals and businesses will be available to raise funds for continuing avian research in the Mackinac Straits area.  Among two dozen items is this artwork by Alix Mosieur of Oregon, donated by Ward & Eis of Petoskey.   


Thanks to Raptor Partner Audie’s Restaurant

Since 2017, Audie’s Restaurant in Mackinaw City has financially supported MSRW, as well as served hawk watch and waterbird guests, and hosted and catered Mackinaw Raptor Fest dinners.  They offer three meals a day, with a Family Room, Chippewa Room, and Welcome Lounge. Be sure to check for current hours and COVID-19 policies before you visit.   https://www.audies.com/


amazonsmile

Have you ever ordered anything from Amazon?  Did you know you can support us while you’re there? AmazonSmile is an easy and automatic way for you to support Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch while doing your everyday shopping. Follow this link to select MSRW as your AmazonSmile charitable organization, and a percentage of the purchase price of any product marked “eligible for AmazonSmile donation” will go toward us.


The mission of the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch is to conduct research in the Straits of Mackinac area on migrating birds of prey, to support their conservation, and to inform and inspire people about them. 

MSRW is a non-profit organization that depends on your donation!  The group appreciates support from more than 350 individual and business contributors, and from area organizations, including the Mackinac Area Visitors Bureau and Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.

To learn more or to donate, visit our newly updated website at:  www.mackinacraptorwatch.org.  We appreciate support from Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation that enabled this website transformation.

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