Welcome all supporters, birders, and scientists to the return of the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch for the spring 2025 migration over the Straits of Mackinac! We are very excited to be back after a good, long winter, counting the birds as well as watching the temperature rise.
Our first week is a bit longer than usual, including a partial week of counts and the first full week. We are starting off strong, having counted 457 raptors migrating over the Straits as the numbers are climbing steadily higher. Red-tailed Hawks are so far dominating the count at 41% of the total. We have also seen good numbers of Red-shouldered Hawks, Bald Eagles, and Golden Eagles.
The count officially started 3/5, although poor weather prevented observations until 3/7. It was a slow day with only 8 migrating raptors counted but a pleasant sight of the local Bald Eagles performing courtship flights. The next day Calvin counted 10 raptors, with eagles making up the observed birds.
March 9 showed a first good variety of raptors even if they were not present in large numbers. Bald and Golden Eagles again, as well has a Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and a Merlin. Calvin noted that the raptors seemed hesitant to cross the Straits, likely due to the storm system moving through the Upper Peninsula. Numbers continued to grow on 3/10, although the flight was slow to become active and was never busy at any singular point. The first Red-winged Blackbirds of the season were sighted in the area, assuring us that spring is certainly on its way.
The first good push of raptors occurred on 3/11, with 59 raptors making their way through. Golden Eagles and Red-tails led the way in numbers of 20 and 24 individuals respectively. One pulse of birds occurred early in the day, then after a midday lull came another good pulse. The count slowed down the next day, 3/12, but saw the first Turkey Vulture of the season recorded.
The count continued to pick up rather quickly on 3/13 with 118 raptors making an appearance. Red-tails and Red-shoulders made up most of the count. First of season Sandhill Cranes were also noted. March 14 saw a slower day, with a thunderstorm in the area which led to a scattered flight which dwindled with the approach of the storm. Lots of Red-winged Blackbirds, American Robins, and a first of season Killdeer were of note.
The week ended strong on 3/15 with a total of 149 raptors passing over the Straits of Mackinac. Not only did we see great raptor numbers, but we had an excellent number of visitors out as well! Thank you to everyone who attended to support the Watch! The raptors built up steadily, topping out just after noon, then slowing down after wind began picking up out of the south. The first American Kestrel of 2025 was recorded, along with the largest Bald Eagle and Red-tail numbers so far. Lots of non-raptor activity, including first of season Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, and two early Barn Swallows, noted by Calvin as “probably wishing they hadn’t come north this soon”.
The spring 2025 Raptor Watch is off to a strong start. We hope our visitors will continue their support as we uphold our mission to record raptor numbers at this crucial migration pathway. Thank you!
