Read about the Detroit River Hawk Watch 2023 CountDetroit River Hawk Watch has released its summary of the 2023 observations. The 2023 count was the 41st consecutive season of monitoring diurnal raptor and Turkey Vulture migration at the mouth of the Detroit River, and the 26th year of consistent coverage at Lake Erie Metropark. There were 570.5 hours of data collection with counts conducted on 87 days between 01 September and 30 November. This season, 215,444 total raptors and vultures of 16 species were counted. This total was 68% above the LTA (128,524) and 57% above the 10-year average between 2014-2023 (136,935).
Read the Annual Report from Detroit River Hawk Watch here.
Read about the Detroit River Hawk Watch 2022 CountBald Eagle. © Mark Hainen
The 2022 count was the 40th consecutive season of monitoring diurnal raptor and turkey vulture migration at the mouth of the Detroit River, and the 25th year of consistent coverage at Lake Erie Metropark. There were 573 hours of data collection with counts conducted on 87 days between 01 September and 30 November. This season, 145,577 total turkey vultures and raptors of 15 species were counted. This total was 16% above the LTA (125,048) and 13% above the 10-year average between 2013 - 2022 (128,265).
Read the Annual Report from Detroit River Hawk Watch here.
DRIWR & the Downriver area featured in "Under the Radar Michigan"
Detroit Public TV's popular series Under the Radar Michigan" recently debuted an episode featuring the Downriver area, including the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Host Tom Daldin explored the area, including joining the Inland Seas Education Association and DRIWR on an excursion aboard the schooner Inland Seas. There's also a kayak adventure on the River Rouge and visits with restaurants run by local entrepreneurs.
Host Tom Daldin explored the area, including joining the Inland Seas Education Association and DRIWR on an excursion aboard the schooner Inland Seas. There's also a kayak adventure on the River Rouge and visits with restaurants run by local entrepreneurs.Watch the episode by clicking the video above, or view the 30-minute episode on YouTube here.
Come volunteer at the Refuge!
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge represents a new model for conservation by restoring vital habitats in an urban area through innovative public-private partnerships. If this sounds like a fun and challenging opportunity, then consider becoming a volunteer at the Refuge. Click here to learn more.
Bringing Outdoor Recreation to Community Youth Near You!
Many people are spending less time in nature with the increasing use of computers, smart phones, television and other technology. It has become increasingly normal to spend less time outdoors. There is concern the younger generations are becoming overly reliant on electronic media and are missing out on the simple enjoyment of being in nature.
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (DRIWR) is one of a few urban refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System with nearly seven million people living within a 45-minute drive. It stretches from southwest Detroit to the Ohio border. The Refuge has the unique dual mission of conserving fish and wildlife populations, their habitats, and of helping to bring conservation to cities in an effort to help develop the next generation of conservation stewards.
With the help of partners, we are now able to offer bringing outdoor recreational opportunities into local communities via an eye-catching trailer with engaging photos of local wildlife and youth experiencing outdoor recreational adventures, particularly fishing and archery. See more photos of the trailer on this Gallery page. It is with the support of the DTE Energy Foundation, the Community Foundation of Monroe County, the Colina Family Foundation, Monroe County Community College and IWRA, the Refuge will be bringing outdoor recreation to you! A 6’ x 12’ aluminum cargo trailer filled with equipment will allow families an experience of what may be their first adventure with fishing and archery.
Programming is now being discussed with the River Raisin National Battlefield Park and with local communities where the trailer could be brought. The impact of seeing the trailer arrive with its vivid graphic element is sure to intrigue folks of all ages to step forward and give it a try!
We hope to pique your interest and encourage you to experience outdoor recreation in your own backyard with a shared mission to sustain wildlife and fisheries conservation into the future.
Project funding provided by: The Community Foundation of Monroe County | DTE Energy Foundation | IWRA
Graphic wrap photos provided by volunteers: Thomas Kachelmeyer, Mark Messer, Jake Bonello, Tandem/USFWS
Want more? Check out the Archived News page.
Upcoming Events
Due to the government shutdown, the Visitor Center is closed, but the grounds remain open during daylight hours. The outdoor bathrooms at the Visitor Center are also closed but there are Porta-Potties near the fishing pier. Please remember if you visit the grounds to pack in, pack out and leave no trace.
A statement from the Fish and Wildlife Service:
During this lapse in appropriations, national wildlife refuges will remain as accessible as possible. We are doing our best to take care of your refuges at this time, but some amenities and services may not be available.
Upcoming Programs and Events at the Refuge
All events are cancelled or postponed. An updated list will be sent out as soon as possible.
The 2024 Calendar of Events for the International Wildlife Refuge is now online. Check the dates for an event.