Here at the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch we hope everyone had a lovely Labor Day weekend! The raptor numbers are beginning to rise as temperatures fall, and week 2 saw some wonderful migration days.
The total number of raptors counted this week from 8/25 to 8/31 is 342, up from 117 during the first week. These numbers are well within the usual range during the second week, based on the previous four years of counts. Strong winds characterized much of this week, as well as some slow then excellent count days. The first Osprey of the fall migration was also sighted over the Straits on 8/26.
Bald Eagles were outnumbering most species this week, as is typical for early fall migration. In total they made up 39% of the raptors counted. Most of the activity, as has been the usual so far this season, occurred during a short window midday on 8/25 and 8/26.
August 27 was a slow day, with some showers and moderate wind. Only five raptors total were counted, including three bald eagles and two Merlin. Calvin noted the highlight being watching a garter snake swallowing a leopard frog. An interesting event indeed, if not what we were hoping to see! August 28 was even slower, with fairly strong winds and more persistent rain causing a shortened day and only one Merlin counted. Passerines were apparently quite active however, with some shorebirds and a single Whimbrel making their way through.
August 29 has been our most active day thus far, with a total of 101 raptors counted. Bald eagles were again the most numerous.
The count slowed down again on 8/30 before picking up for the end of the week on the 31st. The strong winds caused many of the birds to fly low on 8/31, making for a good day to be watching the count. Northern Harriers also had their second highest day total ever for the site at 16 individuals, a few shy of the 22 Harrier day total in September 2020.
Week 2 has been overall solid. We look forward to what week 3 will bring us and hope to see many of you there!
