DRHW- Lake Erie Metropark Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 14, 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 43 54 54 Osprey 2 28 28 Bald Eagle 5 41 41 Northern Harrier 9 35 35 Sharp-shinned Hawk 123 1221 1221 Cooper's Hawk 3 20 20 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 Broad-winged Hawk 2011 2137 2137 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 23 34 34 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 43 195 195 Merlin 0 7 7 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 4 4 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 1 1 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 0 Total: 2262 3777 3777 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours Official Counter: Jonathan Stein Observers: John Elliott, Patrick Mulawa Visitors: A wonderful and varied assortment of visitors today, many from out-of-state and many of whom stayed for most of the day. Up from Indiana were Christina and Scott Enochs. Representing Wisconsin was Ronnie Martin and Don Warren. And from way out in California were Hal Cohen and Frank Sterrett, who can both be found at the Barrego Valley Hawkwatch in the spring. Also on hand were Paul Cypher, Rodney Laura, Tom Olkowski and Joan Tisdale. Thanks to everyone for stopping by. Weather: Cool and clear in the morning, the sun brightened up the afternoon, burning away the haze. Clouds drifted in around 2 o'clock providing a better backdrop for the many observers below. Winds out of the northwest were light to moderate. Raptor Observations: We had a good broadwing flight today with multiple kettles sighted in the afternoon. Most of the birds were spotted high overhead, but as the day wore on, their altitude decreased, allowing better views for those able to stick around until late in the day. In addition to the broadwing abundance were frequent appearances by an assortment of other species. Sharpies and kestrels again made impressive showings. More redtails were seen today than the first two weeks combined. And harrier numbers crept slightly higher. Non-raptor Observations: When the winds were calmest during the midday hours, an impressive monarch flight occurred. Conservatively, more than 2,000 monarchs must have passed by within view of the watch site. Warbler-wise, there were a few magnolias and nashvilles around in the morning. Predictions: The temperature is supposed to drop significantly as a cold front sweeps through the area. Northwest winds are forecast to start strong and potentially weaken throughout the day. If the strong winds don't blow the birds too far south, there's a good chance tomorrow could be a great day as well. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Greg Norwood ([email protected]) SMRR- Lake Erie Metropark information may be found at: http://www.drhawkwatch.org Site Description: The primary site used by the Detroit River Hawk Watch (a joint venture of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and it's Friends group, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance) is the Boat Launch at Lake Erie Metropark located approximately 20 miles south of Detroit, Michigan. A secondary site, the Headquarters of Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is used during certain wind conditions. When staffing is available, both sites can be used at the same time. The season begins on the first day of September and concludes on the final day of November. For details and directions, log on to www.drhawkwatch.org Directions to site: Lake Erie Metropark: >From I-75, exit at Huron River Drive (exit 27). Continue east on Huron River Drive. Turn left on West Jefferson and proceed a few hundred yards to the entrance of Lake Erie Metropark. After paying the entrance fee, follow the signs to the Boat Launch. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
