Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk, photo by Sean McLaughlin
There have been no Caracara sightings since last week, making for a much less exciting blog post this week. Spring marches ever on, but with a slightly different tone than before. Now, warbler song has begun to pepper in between bursts of Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Blue Jay flocks provide a dazzling backdrop against sunny skies. May is here!
Hawk flights were reduced in volume, with the best day on May 9th, with just under 200 Sharpies and 145 Broad-winged Hawks. The Sharp-shinned Hawks have begun their transition from primarily adult migrants to It seems that, as of now, the epic skyscraper kettles of Broad-winged Hawks have not made their way to the Point. There is still time, but barring a major change, this season is shaping up to be a low year for the Neotropical raptor. Peregrine’s, on the other hand are heating up. The second week of May is lovingly dubbed “Peregrine Week” at Whitefish Point, and these graceful falcons are remarkably punctual. 14 have been counted this week, peaking with 5 on 5/11.
Adult Peregrine Falcon, photo by Sean McLaughlin
In the non-raptor world, new migrants are trickling in, and one day created excellent conditions for morning flight of warblers and other songbirds. On May 9th, 13 warbler species were observed in active migration, a lively splash of color against the last few patches of snow (yes there is still snow!). Another exciting visitor amidst the hordes of Black-capped Chickadees that have invaded the Point was a Boreal Chickadee, the first since 2024! Just 3 weeks remain of the Hawk Count, and there are definitely still birds to come. Hope to see you at the Point soon!
