The past 2 days have had southerly winds. I had guessed yesterday that the warmer temperatures might cause thermal updrafts favorable to raptors. This prediction was acurate as lots of raptors could be seen kettling miles away over the U.P.. Only a fraction of those were seen crossing the strait. But from the McGulpin Point side August 31st was the best day for raptors and Monarchs so far this season. Waterbird numbers have been how they have typically been this season so far.
Migrants counted 8/31
Common Loon – 4
Double-crested Cormorant – 180
Great Blue Heron – 1
Osprey – 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 1
Cooper’s Hawk – 1
Bald Eagle – 7 total were seen(Resident adult – 1, Migrating adult – 3, Migrating 3rd year – 2, Migrating 1st year – 1)
Ring-billed Gull – 67
Herring Gull – 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird – 2
Monarch Butterfly – 84
List via eBird… https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S48224194
9/1
Common Loon – 1
Double-crested Cormorant – 79
Bald Eagle – 1 resident adult and one migrating 2nd year
Ring-billed Gull – 62
Herring Gull – 7
Ruby-throated Hummingbird – 2
Barn Swallow – 5
Monarch Butterfly – 47
List via eBird… https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S48224562
