This week 11 marks the start of the last month of the 2024 fall Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch. With only a couple weeks left, the migration is beginning to wind down. This week’s total has landed at 1,093 raptors coming through. Winter is beginning to make itself known, as temperatures have dropped and even some sleet was seen at the observation site. Red-tailed Hawks were the most common migrating raptor this week, making up 71% of the observations.
The week started out with an overcast, very windy, slow migration day, but a variety of other non-raptor species were sighted. This included Tundra Swan, White-winged Scoter, one Black, Scoter, plenty of Long-tailed Ducks, Dunlin, Snow buntings, and one Northern Shrike.
The raptors were moving again on 10/28 with some chilly, moderate winds. Red-tails made up much of the flight, but 20 Rough-legs also made an appearance. The Long-tailed Ducks are migrating in full force with Calvin tallying nearly 3,500. A late season lone Monarch was also present.
October 29 was another nearly no activity day, with one short spurt of raptors after 1pm resulting in a daily total of only 22 birds. The most interesting event of the day was that of a Merlin taking a Snow Bunting. Unfortunately, 10/30 brought even less activity with more very strong winds but a warmer day. Due to weather conditions, no count occurred on 10/31.
The start of November brought good flights for late season, starting with 444 raptors observed on 11/1. The weather was mixed, with cloud cover, sunny breaks, drizzle, sleet, and strong winds. The Red-shoulders had an excellent day with 75 individuals counted, the second highest day total for the watch. An exciting event for the many visitors who joined us!
Finally, the week closed with a daily count of 290 raptors on 11/2. The weather was milder, with a slow start to the migration but a burst of activity in the afternoon. The previous day’s Red-shouldered Hawk total was beaten by another 91 birds. There was a good variety for this final day, between the Red-shoulders, some Golden Eagles, Rough-legs, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and of course the Red-tails and Turkey Vultures.
Overall, not a bad start to November! Come back next week to read our week 12 events. Thank you to all our visitors and supporters this week!
