With the spring like temperatures Steve Baker and I thought it would be a good time to check for Raptors migrating across the Mackinac Straits. We did observations from the south side of the Recreation Center.
On Sat. Feb. 18 we observed from 1115 hrs to 1300 hrs; it was sunny with temp. about 39 degrees, west to southwest winds 15 to 20 mph. No Raptors were observed.
On Sunday Feb. 19 observations occurred from 1130 hrs to 1430 hrs with sunny skies, winds 5 to 10 mph from the west-northwest and 42 degrees. We observed 3 Red-tailed Hawks, 3 adult Bald Eagles and 1 adult Golden Eagle migrate north across the Straits. Several other Bald Eagles and 2 Red-tails were seen but did not cross the Straits. Slow but a nice start to the season.
With continued mild weather and moderate west to northwest winds there should be more Raptors moving north.
Kevin will be jealous.
Ed Pike
