Raptor data for the Thumb
The following correspondence has been sent in response to a request for information from Aaron Boone, a consultant working for " an ecological consulting company who's providing raptor nest consulting services for a large transmission line that's being planned for the Thumb."

 

Sincerely,

Monica Essenmacher

 

Re: raptor data for the Thumb

 

TO:  Aaron Boone

 Ecological Consultant

Naperville, OH

4 March 2011

 

Dear Aaron,

In response to your 4 March request:  I have nine years of migrant raptor data for Huron County, specifically-- though not limited to-- the Port Crescent State Park vicinity.  This data is accessible at www.hmana.org [Hawk Migration Association of North America]...as is the organization's policy regarding siting of wind turbines (and, thus, transmission towers/lines).  This data does not represent a definitive picture of raptor numbers as the 'observer hour' total is less than a fifth of that of full-time hawk watches (I am an unpaid volunteer).   As you know, hawks will migrate along a wide front; the surrounding waters of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron cause them to funnel toward the northern tip of Huron County, with greatest concentrations being observed along the entire shoreline of Huron (and Sanilac) county.  Also, I have "flight line" data available for near-shore areas but have yet to venture farther than 2 miles inland to collect such info. 

 

There are sporadic sightings of Goldens throughout the thumb region; as the counties in which you're interested are not often visited by birders, actual occurrence is unknown and would/will take years to determine.  I would like to know why you are limiting your inquiry to Golden Eagles please.  From what I have read, this is not the only species experiencing mortality due to transmission tower and line mortality.

 

Also for your information, Aaron:  The entire Saginaw Bay region is a recognized IBA [Important Bird Area] of "Global Importance" as designated by Audubon's IBA program.  This is a worldwide initiative with details available on their website, http://web4.audubon.org/bird/iba/.  At this time, the HuCo area includes the shoreline-- extending 2 miles inland and 2 miles into the lake-- from Huron City to Wildfowl Bay.  As more data is collected, that area is expected to increase, in particular along the east side of the county and into Sanilac.  Tuscola County has an IBA..FIsh Point.

 

As to Bald Eagle nests, the USFWS does not give out exact locations of eagle nests;  this is for protection purposes. I understand their policy.   I have witnessed a bald eagle pair at a nest site early in the season only to have disappeared later on;  where there is money to be made, I do not doubt the eagles in Huron County are being subjected to harassment.

 

Aaron, as the head of the Port Crescent Hawk Watch, I'm asking that we meet at your earliest convenience to discuss my data and answer any questions.  The migration season is starting up in a couple weeks and runs through May.  I look forward to meeting with you and thank you for contacting me.

 

Monica Essenmacher