Hello! My name is Jack Kew and I’m thrilled to be the MSRW waterbird counter this fall season! Feel free to stop by either McGulpin Point and/or Graham Point anytime in the morning to join me in counting waterbirds!
Fall waterbird migration is gaining momentum in the Great Lakes. A cold front this week brought consecutive days with cool northwest winds to start the count. Early waterfowl migration in August is often overlooked. Red-necked Grebes specifically take advantage of these north winds and move in impressive numbers at this time of year. A single flock of (24) Red-neck Grebes was observed heading west on Monday the 24th, with (178) total being observed migrating that day.
Initial season sightings of several waterfowl this week, including Bufflehead(2), Goldeneye(6), Hooded Merganser(4), Redhead(1), Wood Duck(2) and of course Mallard(31). Dabbling and diving duck sightings will begin to increase considerably throughout September. The last day this week, the 26th, consisted of scattered thunderstorms and intermittent rain showers. Teal were notably moving with these storms. Numerous flocks of both Blue-winged Teal(41) and Green-winged Teal(31) were recorded between rain showers.
While duck numbers will rise considerably within the next month, shorebird migration is already at its peak. Several sandpipers were recorded this week, including Solitary Sandpiper(2) and Least Sandpiper(1). Wading birds like Great Blue Heron(2), Great Egret(1) and Sandhill Crane(2) were observed flying by as they begin their migration. Notable sightings this week include – Common Nighthawk(1), Horned Grebe(1), Pied-billed Grebe(1), Caspian Tern(2) and Common Tern(15). Passerine movements like migrant warbler flocks, songbirds, and finches are expected to rise next week at both count sites. I’m excited to see what September migration in the Mackinac Straits brings!
