The end of May can be one of the best times to birdwatch at Whitefish Point. Diversity reaches it’s zenith, warblers abound, and raptors chug onward. We have definitely reached the tail end of hawk migration along the south shore of Lake Superior, and flights are now dominated by young Sharp-shinned Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks and southern Bald Eagles. This week encompassed the time of year well: flights ranged from good to mediocre.

Crested Caracara. Photo by Sean McLaughlin

The week started off with a bang with another sighting of the Crested Caracara, confirming TWO(!) individuals. The bird from 5/19 is likely a returning bird from 5/3, the initial sighting. It has been a great joy to share this bird with hawkwatchers from near and far, a real treat for the north country. Bald Eagle sightings have slowly increased throughout the week, boiling up to an amazing 65 on 5/25. Bald Eagles from the southern reaches of the continent range far to the north after their breeding season concludes. Their arrival is noted at northern watch sites where fresh juvenile birds are detected by their black bellies and fresh flight feathers. Juvenile Broad-winged Hawks have also arrived from South America, forming large kettles on 5/21 and 5/25. These young birds arrive much later than the adults, and will continue to move north for the next few weeks.

Evening Grosbeak. Photo by Sean McLaughlin

Non-raptor flights have been excellent the last week. Unusual sightings include Black-backed and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Summer Tanager, Boreal Chickadee and Pacific Loon. Another highlight has been the large flocks of Evening Grosbeaks that have been moving through the Point this week. Their cheery calls and bright gold colors have been a daily presence! Raptor flights should remain to be decent for the final week of the count, and passerines will continue to pick up. Hope to see you at the Point soon!

Sean McLaughlin, 2026 Raptor Counter

Featured Photo: Crested Caracara 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.