Nice Flight at Detroit River Hawk Watch - 19 Sep 2025

Forecasts called for warm temperatures but N-NE winds that are favorable for a good flight at Detroit River Hawk Watch. By 11 am we had 400 birds so I decided to run down to Lake Erie Metropark for the afternoon shift (after errands). 

I arrived at 1 pm and learned that things had slowed a bit, but Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels and Northern Harriers were still making appearances. As expected, birds were soon flying overhead.

Sharp-shinned Hawk, 

 

Northern Harriers by the 2's and 3's, 

and American Kestrels rocketing by.

It was also a good day for Monarch Butterflies. We had well over 500 for the day as we shouted out "Monarch!" to Michelle (Peregord) all afternoon long.

After a few more kestrels

and fly-over American White Pelicans

Broad-winged Hawks began flying. First overhead, then well to the north. I was on scope duty so I missed all of the birds overhead as I squinted and tried to count specks in the north. We'd finish with just under 3000 birds and stayed well past quitting time before the action died down. Great effort by everyone today!