Spring Raptor Count 5/6-5/12–Record Days

The second week of May sped right along, and it feels as if it was just last night I was sitting down to write a blog, rather than last week! These full spring days, growing ever longer, are action packed from sunrise to sunset, and it is hard to drag myself away to even eat a meal! The raptor flights were diverse, with at least 11 raptor species recorded every day of the week! Sharp-shinned Hawks led the charge as usual, but a major change has come across the sharpies this week. For the first time this season, daily count of second year birds has surpassed the adults! It is such a joy to watch these young sharpies race up and down the point, foolhardily chasing flickers and jays. Making it through their first winter gives them much greater chances of surviving well into adulthood. Turkey Vulture and Osprey are on the decline for the season, with each species being counted every day, but in fewer numbers.

Osprey by S McLaughlin

This week, Bald Eagles had their day. And then they had another one! May 9th, 60 Bald Eagles were counted, marking the highest daily total in Whitefish Point history. Then, just a few days later on May 12th, an astonishing 81 Bald Eagles were seen, absolutely smashing the previous record out of the water! These May eagle flights are primarily made up of young Balds, dispersing north for a summer season in Canada. On the 11th, the first true Southern Bald Eagle was spotted, a true hatch year bird that has a dark belly and fresh, unworn flight feathers. Barely 3 months old, these eagles are wandering north for the first time from a nest many miles to the south of the Upper Peninsula.

Bald Eagle by S McLaughlin

Harriers, Broad-winged Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks and Rough-legged Hawks continue to be counted daily in modest numbers. A similar transition is happening in all of these raptors to primarily young, second year birds. Falcons were abundant this week, particularly Peregrine Falcons, reaching their zenith on May 7th with a count of 6. It is unbelievable to watch how quickly these birds cover ground, and usually by the time I am hollering “Peregrine!” we are all turning 180º to watch the bird head out over the lake!

Merlin by S McLaughlin

Mississippi Kite by S McLaughlin

The final highlight bird of the week was a subadult Mississippi Kite on May 12th! This is the 4th consecutive year with a kite record at the point. Perhaps a growing trend? Only time will tell! There is still a lot of May left, with the potential for more great flights of Sharp-shinned Hawks, falcons and Broad-winged Hawks. And who knows, now that we’ve seen one kite, we can hope for another! Thanks for following along, and as always, hope to see you at the point.

Sean McLaughlin, 2025 Spring Raptor Counter

Featured photo: Sharp-shinned Hawk by S McLaughlin