Article published October 13, 2009
Turkey vultures put on impressive show
When it comes to fall migrations of birds of prey, or raptors, October is considered to be turkey vulture month, for these big, dark, soaring carrion-eaters typically are the dominant species in the southbound raptor movements for the period.
Right on cue, major movements of vultures were recorded Saturday and Sunday by Detroit River Hawk Watch observers at Lake Erie Metropark at the mouth of the Detroit River at Rockwood, Mich. Autumn raptor counts have been recorded there for many years.
Some 16,300 vultures were counted Saturday and another 7,000 Sunday for some of the best migration days since the season began Sept. 1.
Across the river at Holiday Beach, Ont., another 3,200 vultures were recorded on Sunday.
In line with those movements were the observations of Paul and Nancy Coffman of rural Tiffin.
"Yesterday [Sunday] while sitting on the back deck, my wife Nancy spotted a group of turkey vultures passing over our home near Heidelberg University," Coffman said. "I thought they were the same ones who inhabit an area along the Sandusky River on the south edge of Tiffin. We noticed though they were soaring in nearly a straight line and not spiraling as we normally see them."Over the next hour or more, hundreds more passed over in groups just a couple to dozen at a time. It was awe-inspiring and one of the best bird experiences of our lives. And we never had to leave the comfort of our home or need field glasses to enjoy it. Sometimes, just being observant and enjoying the day can present wonderful surprises."
Indeed.
For daily updates on fall migrations, visit online at smrr.net and click on hawk count for the Detroit River area counts, or visit hawkcount.org. Also, visit hbmo.org for Holiday Beach.
The general duck and goose hunting seasons open Saturday in Ohio, and opportunities should be decent, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
Biologists cited a spring pond index for the prairie pothole region of North America (Kansas to central Saskatchewan) and breeding duck surveys, both of which indicated an above average reproduction year for most duck species.
Closer to home, the upper Great Lakes states showed above average conditions and good production of mallards this year. The upper lakes region is the primary breeding range for mallards harvested in Ohio. Mallards are Ohio's number one harvested duck and can be found throughout the state.
Wood ducks, the second most important duck to Ohio hunters and the state's number one breeding duck, appear to have had a fair production year.
Canada geese are the most harvested waterfowl in Ohio and can be found in good numbers everywhere. Locally raised giant Canada geese had the fourth highest population estimate this spring and all indications are there was fair to good production across Ohio. Migrant interior populations (Southern James Bay and Mississippi Valley) of Canada geese have also had good production. With proper weather, the hunting outlook is good to very good.
With good habitat conditions, Ohio hunters will enjoy a liberal 60-day hunting season again this year. Pintail showed a large increase in population and that will permit a full season. Scaup showed a slight increase in population and that will allow a two-bird bag for the whole season. The canvasback population showed a large increase, which will allow an open season in 2009.
As always here, success among waterfowl hunters has more to do with weather conditions and choice of hunting location than available ducks. Hunters should be scouting their territories now and securing landowner permission where needed.
State wildlife areas are in good condition with excellent fall food potential. Heavy rains early in the summer followed by an extended drought permitted considerable growth in moist-soil plants in many traditional wetlands. Hunters should not only check out their traditional spots, but also more marginal haunts for food production and water quantity.
Details of the waterfowl and all other hunting seasons can be found in two digests, Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Ohio Waterfowl Hunting Seasons. Hunters can also review seasons and regulations online at wildohio.com.
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A .22 rifle shoot is set noon Sunday at the Elmore Conservation Club on Portage River Road South, just west of State Rt. 590 in Ottawa County east of Elmore.
For a $5 fee, you can enter either metallic sights or optical sight competition. Either category will feature 50 targets at 25 and 50 yards; the metallic target is 4 1/2 inches and the optical target 2 1/2 inches.
The club also has scheduled its annual sight-in days for Oct. 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All firearms can be targeted - rifle, pistol, shotgun/slug-gun, and muzzleloader - at $5 per gun.
For details go to elmorecc.com or call Dick Gremling 419-729-9518. Lunch will be available. Proceeds benefit the local Holiday Bureau and food pantry.
Contact Steve Pollick at:
spollick@theblade.com
or 419-724-6068.
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