Week 2 saw a continuation of the strong start to our 2024 spring raptor count. A total of 792 raptors were sighted at the Straits, including a few firsts for this season. Numbers are still above the March 2023 spring season, which saw only 64 raptors in the second week.
The beginning of the week (3/10 and 3/11) saw low numbers of all birds but counted Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, a Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and a Merlin. A dark-morph Snow Goose (aka Blue Goose) was also sighted flying with a flock of Canada Geese. Numbers picked up on 3/12, with a slow morning but steady movement in the afternoon. Additionally, the first spring Turkey Vulture, American Goshawk, and American Kestrel were recorded on 3/12.
March 13 was a fantastic day, showing season high numbers so far for Red-tailed Hawks (201), Golden Eagles (71), and Red-shouldered Hawks (57). It was also the highest count number of the season so far at 373 total raptors for the day.
Total raptor sightings lessened each day the rest of the week but are still high for early in the season. Red-tailed Hawks accounted for most sightings at 50%, followed by Golden Eagles at 17% and Red-shouldered Hawks at 15% of total sightings. Thank you to each of the visitors who made it out to watch this eventful second week!
