Spring Raptor Count 4/29-5/5–Spring’s True Arrival

Goodbye April, hello May! The Whitefish Point Raptor Count has entered its final month, but with some serious action on the way! The final days of April maintained the pattern of diverse flights, and 12 species of raptors were counted on the 30th alone! The absolute top bird of the day was a dark morph Broad-winged Hawk! As we hop-skipped into May, things began to brighten and warm up. A major weather system known as an Omega Block has developed across the country, bringing warm, low-pressure precipitation to much of the northeast, including downstate Michigan. The central high-pressure spur of the Omega Block penetrated eastward and into the Upper Peninsula, bringing warm, sunny conditions with fairly calm winds.

Sharp-shinned Hawk by S McLaughlin

Broad-winged Hawk by S McLaughlin

The two stars of the past week have been Sharp-shinned Hawks and Broad-winged Hawk, combining for nearly 3,200 birds in the first 5 days of May. May 4th was a banging day at the watch with nearly 1,000 Sharpies and 600+ Broad-winged Hawks! Kettles typically rise out of the trees around 10am and will persist until midafternoon. Peregrines have also been increasing. I like to call the first week of May “International Western Great Lakes Peregrine Falcon Migration Week.” These Arctic Peregrines are on their way to the far north and can be seen for just a fragment of their journey, powering steadily northward over the point. Our other wandering raptor of the week was the season’s first Swainson’s Hawk! These western raptors are annual vagrants across the east and typically join Broad-winged Hawk kettles. Our bird was seen briefly in a kettle on May 4.

Swainson’s Hawk by S McLaughlin

Songbirds have been a treat, in addition to phenomenal hawk flights. Purple Finches and Pine Siskins have replaced Redpolls and crossbills. The warbler scene has drastically improved as of May 5, with over 800 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and several Pine, Palm, and Cape Mays were spotted in morning flight past the platform. Other notable sightings this week include an early Purple Martin, Cliff Swallow, Blue-headed Vireo, White-winged Scoter, and Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Yellow-rumped Warbler by S McLaughlin

One of the most incredible parts of spring at Whitefish Point is the potential for owl liftoff from the Jack Pines. This past week, the crew ascended the dune to witness this incredible feat with several Long-eared Owls gracefully bounding overhead. This place continues to amaze me with its diversity of bird life and the magnificent moments of migration that it offers!

Sean McLaughlin, 2025 Spring Raptor Counter

Featured photo: Osprey by S McLaughlin

American Goshawk by S McLaughlin