Week 7 of the fall raptor migration has come and gone, but with it came several exciting migration days and the first days of what felt like true fall weather.
2501 raptors crossed the Straits this week. This was the third straight week of sharp-shinned hawks making up the majority of observations, with 1360 sightings accounting for 54% of the total. Turkey vultures continued to trail behind, with 725 observations or 29% of the total.
There were several exciting observations this week. The second goshawk of the season was sighted on 10/2 as well as a single-day site record of 10 peregrines set on this day. We also experienced a late pulse of 127 broad-winged hawks on 10/3.
10/5 was an overall great migration day. A season high of 420 sharp-shinned hawks crossed the Straits. The previous site record of 10 peregrines set on 10/2 was tied. Calvin also observed 29 American kestrels and 10 northern harriers, which are likely peak or near-peak numbers. Finally, 38 monarchs were sighted, one of the better days of the past few weeks.
Additionally, 10/8 saw a season high of 283 turkey vultures. The first rough-legged hawk of the season was also spotted on this day.
Week 7 was excellent for diversity in migrants, but as this fall weather continues we can expect to see more northern birds making their way south.
