Osprey by Sean McLaughlin
In the penultimate week of hawkwatching at Whitefish Point this spring, we have finally begun to see migration slip back into low gear. Seasonal totals are nearing their zenith, but daily totals are dropping by the day. It is sad to see the final days of migration arrive, but these are usually pleasant days of spring weather, making each day enjoyable.
The week was once again championed by Sharp-shinned Hawks, or as I have been calling them, our bread-and-butter bird. Reliable and right on time, Sharp-shinned Hawks are nearly always in view and providing great looks to our many visitors. Bald Eagles continue a spectacular May flight, sending us into the record books! The seasonal total of 955 is a new high, with only more to come in the final days.
Rough-legged Hawk by Sean McLaughlin
Osprey have decreased from a daily sight to every few days, along with Rough-legged Hawks and the 3 falcon species. Days with lower intensity flights allow me more time to watch individuals navigate the point, as well as photograph them! The dunes are beginning to green up, and on sunny days provide a nice underlighting to low raptors. The highlight of the 26th was the arrival of 100+ Broad-winged Hawks. The last week of May (and the first week of June) is the best time for young Broad-winged Hawks to be seen migrating past the point.
The other exciting record that we are approaching is the all time Peregrine Falcon seasonal high count. As of the 26th, the 73 Peregrine is just 3 shy of the record! Keep an eye out for second-year Peregrines migrating north along the shores of Lake Superior in the next few days.
Thanks to all who have stopped by the count to offer support, cookies, spotting skills and words of encouragement. If you are still hoping to make it out, the final day of the Spring Hawk Count is May 31. Hope to see you at the point!
Sean McLaughlin, 2025 Spring Raptor Counter
Featured Image: Peregrine Falcon by S. McLaughlin
You can now see the raptor count data on Trektellen! Check it out at trektellen.nl/count/view/4562.
You can keep up with the 2026 Raptor Count by reading Sean’s weekly blog posts and following WPBO’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X). The raptor count runs March 15 through May 31.
Sean is a hawk watcher from Pennsylvania who has enjoyed watching birds migrate for over 15 years. A lifelong birder and naturalist, Sean has counted raptors at Stone Mountain and Tussey Mountain hawk watches in PA, before moving to the shore of Lake Superior. He has led the count team for four seasons at Hawk Ridge and three at the West Skyline Hawk Count in Duluth, Minnesota, instilling a deep love for the Great Lakes. In Duluth, Sean also conducts morning flight counts of passerines and other migrants. Outside of the world of watching migration, Sean has studied American Goshawks in the mountains of Oregon, breeding birds in northern Minnesota, and instructed courses at Hog Island Audubon Camp. He is excited to return to eastern Lake Superior for a second spring at Whitefish Point, particularly for the epic Sharp-shinned Hawk and Common Loon flights.
