Strong But Favorable Winds - 21 Sep 2026
Rain the past two days followed a great Broad-winged Hawk flight on the 18th so today's forecast of NE winds 10-15 mph and partially-clearing skies meant another possibly good raptor flight. Skies were cloudy but it was cool and damp. And yes, the wind was already blowing at 7 am. My plan was to drive to Roberts Road to look for a Western Sandpiper that Justin Labadie found last evening along the South Causeway, bird the trees for warblers, then drive over to the Detroit River Hawk Watch. I arrived at Roberts Road and drove south toward the road closure sign. With windows open I was looking and listening for warblers. A Bay-breasted Warbler popped into view 3 feet off the ground and I managed a couple pics w/ the Sony 600/4 from inside the car. Parking at the road closure I got out the bike and headed to the South Causeway. The wind was blowing strong enough that I had to lose the hat, and arrived at the causeway only to see waves crashing over the mudflats. No shorebirds. I did ...