Hello everyone!
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Photo by Ted Keyel
After a few days with warm weather, south winds and some great flights, things have quieted down a little. That said, Sharp-shinned Hawks continue to put on a show, with multiple days over triple digits. We also saw our first Broad-winged Hawks, Osprey and Peregrine Falcons for the hawk deck. The last couple days have been more reminiscent of the beginning of April, with strong north and east winds and some rain mixed with snow.
Northern Goshawk, Photo by Ted Keyel
In non-raptor notes, Sandhill Cranes put on a huge show from the 15th through the 20th, with well over 10,000 birds counted. This is a new seasonal high count for Whitefish Point. Migrants continue to arrive, with blackbirds, robins, and flickers passing by and more sparrows present around the feeding stations. Redpolls pass by in small numbers, but seem to be largely gone.
The weather is supposed to improve over the next couple days, likely just in time for Spring Fling. Hopefully we will have some great flights and maybe our first big push of Broad-wingeds for the season.
Happy birding,
Rough-legged Hawk, Photo by Ted Keyel
-Ted
