This week featured unfavorable winds and a multi-day blanket of fog. The count was fairly slow as migration stalled. Peak waterbird movement through the Straits is expected to begin by early October.
Throughout September, overall diversity has steadily increased. An impressive variety of ducks are currently migrating through the area. Waterfowl have gathered in mass at local hotspots such as Dingman Marsh and Round Lake.
Staging Redhead have now returned to the Straits area! This species is already gathering East of the bridge. Migrating flocks are often accompanied by Greater and Lesser Scaup.
Highlights for the count include increased sightings of dabbling ducks. The first Northern Shovelers and Gadwall were recorded this week. Sandhill Crane migration is progressing, with a triple digit movement on 09/18/2023. Calm winds will produce significant flights of this species by early October.
