Data gathered on raptors important to wildlife, environment

Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch conducts scientific research on migrating birds of prey in the Straits of Mackinac area of Michigan. This research aims to support raptor conservation and inform and inspire the residents and visitors of northern Michigan about these magnificent birds.

Enbridge grants fund research

April 26, 2023

Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac is an essential channel for ships and other vessels, though they aren’t the only things that rely on the Straits for travel.

Although as many as 17 different species of raptors have been noted crossing this location, the Straits is one of the busiest crossings for red-tailed hawks and golden eagles.

“Most hawks and eagles don’t like to fly over bodies of water where they can’t see the other side,” said Scott Davis, executive director of the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch (MSRW).

“That’s why places like the Straits are so important to their north-south migrations—especially in the Midwest where the passage is so dominated by the Great Lakes.”

Research critical to conservation efforts

As part of its commitment to the environment and nature, Enbridge has supported the work of the MSRW for several years through Fueling Futures grants. The grants support MSRW’s biannual raptor counts and a variety of other related research activities.

In mid-April, Lauren Brown, Enbridge’s advisor for Community Engagement, participated in the MSRW’s red-tailed hawk banding count.

 

“It was such an amazing experience to be a part of this program. The research being conducted on red-tailed hawks is really interesting.”

—Lauren Brown, Enbridge’s community engagement manager in northern Michigan, after taking part in the MSRW’s red-tailed hawk banding count in April

“It was such an amazing experience to be a part of this program,” said Brown.

“The research being conducted on red-tailed hawks is really interesting. While I was at the count, we banded four red-tailed hawks and one sharp-shinned hawk.”

Brown was among a select number of people chosen to visit the research site where each year as many as 200 different raptors are banded.  Among those birds banded, approximately 10 red-tailed hawks are chosen each year to be fitted with back-pack transmitters, which allow their migratory routes to be mapped.

Obtaining information on the migratory patterns of the red-tailed hawks and other raptors, such as the golden eagle, is useful to wildlife management and conservation.  In the U.S., researchers have identified approximately 34 raptor species.

Learn more information about the MSRW organization..