Unfortunately, Montrose Point isn't a great place to see birds of prey though there are exceptions. When Snowy Owls are invading, Montrose is one of the more reliable areas in Chicago to find this species. Snowies are especially fond of the fishhook pier but can also be found on the docks inside the boat harbor or even perched on a lightpole. Short-eared Owls are often flushed from the meadow in October; as many as 4 or 5 have been seen in the air at the same time over the Point. Long-eared Owls are also occasionally found roosting in the trees or hedges during migration. The bushes and shrubs at Montrose provide cover for Northern Saw-whet Owls which are most often seen in October and November, especially following the passage of a cold front. As for diurnal birds of prey, Peregrine Falcons* can be seen at any time of the year hunting over the Point or even out over the lake, usually in pursuit of tardy migrating passerines. They have also been seen taking bats. Merlins are regular visitors in September and October. These small falcons seem to delight in terrorizing the sparrows and other passerines that gather at Montrose in the fall. Finally, Ospreys and Northern Harriers can also be seen migrating past the Point, with September being the best month for the former and October the best month for the latter.
*The Peregrine Falcons seen at Montrose anymore are invariably introduced birds or the progeny of introduced birds.