It is with great satisfaction that we bring the Fall 2024 Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch to a close. Although we will miss our supporters in St. Ignace, we know that in just a few months’ time we will return to Mackinac City for the spring migration! So for now, let us recap a successful fall migration.
The Fall 2024 season ended with 516.25 total hours of observation time, leaving this year as the third season with the most observation time (2021 has the most, followed by 2020). The total number of raptors counted was rather high as well, at 17,142 birds recorded crossing the Straits (the fourth highest total of birds counted in a single fall season). There were three less recorded species in 2024 than 2023. A Mississippi Kite, Northern Shrike, and Short-eared Owls were recorded last year but not this year (these were all firsts for the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch in 2023).
A few species-specific records were broken this year, starting the Turkey Vultures. The previous record in 2021 was 5,392 Turkey Vultures, which was beaten this year with a total of 5,649 Turkey Vultures. The Northern Harrier record was also broken by 1 bird, from 152 in 2020 to 153 this year! The Red-Shouldered Hawk record was shattered by a significant amount, from 522 individuals in 2022 to 625 in fall 2024. Interestingly, the Peregrine Falcon number landed at 60, tying for the record with both 2023 and 2021.
Although not record-breaking, we also recorded excellent numbers of Rough-legged Hawks and Golden Eagles. A single Swainson’s Hawk this season was also an excellent observation, with this being only the third year the Swainson’s has been recorded during the fall migration at the Straits of Mackinac.
The most observed raptor for the 2024 fall season was the Turkey Vulture which made up 33% of the total observations. The Turkey Vultures are followed by Red-tailed Hawks at 24% and Sharp-shinned Hawks at 19% of the count this season. Over the past 7 seasons the Raptor Watch has been active, these 3 species have been swapping spots but continuously the 3 most observed migrating raptors.
Overall, the fall 2024 season has been an excellent show of raptors! None of this work however would be possible without the backing of you, our visitors, readers, and supporters. Thank you all for participating in the 2024 Fall Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch! We look forward to having you back in March.
