After weeks of staring at largely lackluster skies, the last few days have, without a doubt, proved that migration is fully underway here at Whitefish Point. Not only is your friendly neighborhood raptor counter seeing more raptors, but I also see more bare ground after rains, and warmer temperatures have melted much of the snowpack that has covered the ground since my arrival. While dressing in layers is still a necessity and snow remains in the forecast, there are parts of the day where I can take off my coat and gloves for a little while, which I was only able to dream of a week ago. Now I can turn my dreams to wearing shorts and a t-shirt while I count raptors, and counting raptors is exactly what I have been doing in earnest!
First and foremost, the past week’s highlight was an intermediate, juvenile Swainson’s Hawk, which arrived in a flotilla of Turkey Vultures on April 22. This past week also saw the first-of-the-year sightings of Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, and Broad-winged Hawk. The sheer number of several species also made for some exciting counting, none more so than over 7,000 Sandhill Cranes passing over the Point in a span of three hours. The sheer spectacle of flocks of cranes streaming across the sky from horizon to horizon is exhilarating, and as their distinctive clarion calls rain down from above and wash over you, it is a challenge to pay attention to anything else that is going on around you.
While Sandhill Crane migration has a majesty all its own, the raptors were not to be outdone, and on Sunday, April 24, nearly 700 Sharp-shinned Hawks were counted, along with 205 American Kestrels in a day-long exhibition of speed as they continuously swooped past the hawk deck in daring fashion. In my humble opinion, when these birds are moving together, they provide the most exciting sightings of the season, especially when there is a Northern Goshawk or two mixed in to keep you on your toes. Every now and then, one will perch in a nearby tree to take a little break and provide onlookers with a visual treat, such as the one provided by the American Kestrel pictured above.
All in all, the story of spring migration thus far seems to be when the days are good, they are shaping up to be very good, and when the days are bad, they are pretty darned bad, with little variance between the two. As always, thank you for reading, and until next week, good birding!
~ Rich Couse
2022 Spring Raptor Counter
Featured photo: American Kestrel. Photo by Rich Couse
Support WPBO’s Research During Birdathon on May 28
Our skilled team of bird counters and volunteers at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory will set out on a mission to count as many bird species as possible in one day on May 28, 2022, as part of an annual fundraising event supporting the amazing work happening at WPBO! In 2021, a whopping 152 species were counted and the event brought in $6,826.65! Let’s hope this year is just as successful.
This is where you come in! Because our work is 100% donor-funded, Birdathon provides all of our supporters with an opportunity to make a significant impact on our work by making a pledge or direct donation to Birdathon (even after the event). Any amount is helpful, but have some fun with it and consider letting your donation or pledge be inspired by a per-species amount.
Learn more about Birdathon and find links to donate at wpbo.org/birdathon.
Thank you so much to everyone who supports the work being done at WPBO!
