Date: 11/29/25 4:52 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (29 Nov 2025) 8 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 29, 2025
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Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jo Patterson
Observers: Andrew Sturgess, Johannes Postma, Sam Heilman
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site as we are eager to share the joys of hawk
watching with one and all. Although there may be times in which we are all
very busy and need alone-time to concentrate, those are the times that are
most enjoyable for visitors as the skies are filled with migrating raptors.
Weather:
A solid overcast held firm all day, a white sky pushing in from the
southeast and threatening snow from the moment we arrived. Despite the
below-freezing temperatures and lack of sunlight, it felt noticeably warmer
than it has all week. The relentless gusts finally eased; a gentle, steady
breeze stayed under 10 mph. The band of snow reached us earlier than
predicted, with flurries beginning around 2 p.m. The barometer dipped as
the system moved in.
Raptor Observations:
Migration was a near mirror of yesterday. Eight raptors braved the headwind
and advancing snow. A Sharp-shinned Hawk opened the day and remained the
only representative of its species, passing low and directly over the count
site. Three Bald Eagles, one adult and two juveniles, pressed through. A
young Red-tailed Hawk with a belly band so thick it mimicked a rough-leg
took a high line; an adult followed the same route not long after. Two
Northern Harriers crossed over Celeron and skimmed low across the lake.
Non-raptor Observations:
Two local Cooper’s Hawks perched together in the trees behind us,
chattering to one another. A White-crowned Sparrow joined the growing flock
of American Tree Sparrows in the grass. They’ve become bold companions,
foraging just feet from our boots. The Bald Eagle located a dead drake
mallard and made several unsuccessful attempts to lift it. After a brief
rest on its snag, it returned and managed to drag the duck to shore,
thankfully without swimming this time. Hooded Mergansers dove in the lotus
beds, Scaup rafted out on Lake Erie, and hundreds of Tundra Swans were on
the wing throughout the day.
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks likely to be snowed out. And if the precipitation doesn’t
shut down migration, the forecasted southwest winds, with gusts up to 40
mph, almost certainly will. It’s exciting to see snow accumulating
finally, but we doubt many birds will be flying.
I’ve had a wonderful season as the official counter for DRHW! Thank you
all for your dedication and commitment. I’ll miss the watch and look
forward to reading these reports next year.
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Report submitted by Jo Patterson (<jopatterson06...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
