Keweenaw Raptor Survey

RAPTORS OF BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN

The Keweenaw Raptor Survey is the first formal survey of raptor migration at Brockway Mountain in over a decade.  The following is a summary of the most recent evaluation of raptor migration in the Keweenaw:

Annotated Checklist of the Raptor Species seen at Brockway Mnt.

BLACK VULTURE

Accidental visitors to the Keweenaw, Black Vultures have been seen in Agate Harbor, Copper Harbor and on Manitou Island. There is one undocumented record for the West Bluff of Brockway from 1991.

TURKEY VULTURE

A common migrant at Brockway, this species peak occurrence is from 19 April- 22 May

OSPREY

Common migrant at Brockway Mt. primarily occurring between 24 April-21 May

BALD EAGLE

Regular migrant at Brockway. Published dates for this species are likely not representative of actual occurrence as most adult Bald Eagles move through in March when very little counting has been done. Peak flights occur during the last week of March and first week of April.

NORTHERN HARRIER

Common migrant at Brockway. Primary period of occurrence is 7 April-17 May.

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK

One of the most abundant raptor species at Brockway Mt. Peak flight is from 25 April- 21 May

COOPER’S HAWK

An uncommon migrant at Brockway, over-all UP population may be increasing. Peak flight occurs from 18 April-18 May.

NORTHERN GOSHAWK

Uncommon, but regular in season at Brockway Mt. Primary period of occurrence is from 6 April-13 May, but the species is likely under-recorded from limited March data.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

Nearing the northern limits of this species breeding range in the Keweenaw, this species is very uncommon at Brockway. Recorded peak occurrence from 3 April-18 May, though many adult Red-shouldered Hawks migrate in late March.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK

Very abundant during May, one of the most common species seen at Brockway.  Peak occurrence from 2 May-29 May, though first migrants are noted by mid-April. Flocks of juveniles move well into June and even July. Two dark morphs adults have been seen at Brockway.

SWAINSON’S HAWK

Brockway Mountain is one of the best places in Michigan to see this rare visitor from the western plains. Has occurred between 1 May-29 May with a median date of 10 May. This species is recorded at Whitefish Point in late April and should probably also be present at Brockway during this period.

RED-TAILED HAWK

Another very abundant species at Brockway Mt. The primary period of occurrence is from 18 April-21 May. Adults peak in late April with juveniles peaking in the second week of May with birds continuing into June. Dark morph birds are regular, and nine different individuals were observed on 3 May 1999. There is one

accepted record of a “HARLAN’S HAWK”, a distinct race, and likely a biological separate species. Seen on 24 April 2003, photographs can be seen here: http://michiganaudubon.org/research/records_committee/photo_gallery.html?photo_gallery_item=42634&db_item=listitem

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK

Common to abundant at Brockway Mt., and is certainly one of the better locations in the Midwest to observe high numbers of this species. Two color morphs (light & dark) are regularly both seen. Peak occurrence is from 19 April- 15 May. However recent hawk counts conducted on near-by Manitou Island have shown this species still straggles through into June.

GOLDEN EAGLE

Brockway is an excellent location to get first-rate looks at this handsome raptor.  An uncommon, but regular migrant, Golden Eagles have been observed as early as 3 March and as late as 28 May.  March and April are the best times to see this bird.

AMERICAN KESTREL

A common migrant at Brockway, the peak period of occurrence is from 20 April-17 May.

MERLIN

A regular migrant at Brockway, this plucky raptor finds the Keweenaw to be favorable for breeding and several pairs nest in the Copper Harbor area. Peak period of occurrence is from 18 April-19 May, but families can be found all summer along the coast.

PEREGRINE FALCON

An uncommon but regular migrant past Brockway. Peak period of occurrence is from 29 April-20 May.