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Information - MSRW - Mackinac Island, Fort Holmes (spring)

Migration site MSRW - Mackinac Island, Fort Holmes (spring) Contacts Ed Pike Contacts Web site https://www.mackinacraptorwatch.org/ Last count  26 April 2024 Observation hours 266:27 observation hours, 1 year

lat: 45.85803, lng: -84.61578

Description

The Straits of Mackinac in Michigan forms a unique convergence of land and water. The tapering shape of the lower peninsula concentrates migrating birds at its northern tip in the spring, as they await appropriate conditions to cross the Straits north to their summer breeding grounds. To a lesser extent, Lakes Michigan and Huron tend to funnel migrants to fly south over the Straits in the fall. Hawks and owls are of particular concern to conservationists because of their position at the top of the food web.

Their numbers and migration timing provide valuable insights into ecosystem conditions. Because of its geography, the Straits is one of the best places in the country for studying raptors in both the spring and fall migration seasons. Because of this national significance and the region’s significant visitation by tourists, it is an ideal place to educate the general public about this natural resource.

Location

The Spring raptor watch is conducted from March 5th to June 5th. The newest Spring site is on Mackinac Island, right outside the Fort Holmes historic site.

Access

Take the ferry to Mackinac Island. Follow the signs up to the Fort Holmes historic site