Friday, October 30, 2015

Cape May Hawk Watch

We did a day trip to Cape May, which of course includes a stop at the Hawk Watch. It is never a long wait for a passing raptor. During my brief stay, my passing overhead or nearby were Red-tailed, Broad-winged, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, Peregrine, Harrier, Turkey and Black Vulture.

A few even permitted some photos.

Notice the full crop on this juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk. A good omen for its survival ... it has learned to hunt on its own.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Bald Eagle - hatch year bird.

Bald Eagle - 1st year
 This Red-tailed Hawk put on a flying display directly over the Hawk Watch platform.

Red-tailed Hawk



Bald Eagle. 
Bald Eagle
 So many hawks migrate through Cape May, that it is common to have two or more species in the glass at one time. Next photo is the same Bald Eagle, but notice the size difference of the Sharp-shinned Hawk in the bottom right corner.


It's always good birding. In Cape May, it is almost always excellent birding.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Putney Mountain Hawkwatch - October

Continuing my update on the hawkwatch for October.

October in Vermont, always colorful, was especially so this year, and no where better than on the mountain ...




October was an especially good month this year for migrating Turkey Vultures ...

Turkey Vulture
The owl decoy attracted attention from accipiters and  falcons ...
Sharp-shinned Hawk attacking the owl decoy

Sharpie

Sharpie
Cooper's Hawk

American Kestrel

American Kestrel
Good Birding!!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Putney Mountain Hawkwatch - September

There were plenty of Broad-winged Hawks during September, and lots of hawk nerds to watch them. Photo ops of the hawks were limited, so the watchers filled the photo role ...

... beginning with our "Leader" - leader to the degree that the odd group can be led anywhere on anything ...





Plenty to watch when the hawks are not flying ... such as these Cedar Waxwings. The top of the pine was surrounded by swarms of insects. The waxwings perched on the branches and plucked the insects out of the air ...

Cedar Waxwings

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Broad-winged Hawk

Watermelon Day

Broad-winged Hawk kettle




Good Birding!

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Heinz NRW

I had no idea it has been so long since my last post, but chalk that up to the busyness of September and October.

I have begun my late Fall sojourn in Philadelphia. First trip was today to Heinz NRW. A few images ...


In one area, I had 12 Great Blue Herons in the glass, but at a distance. This one was foraging closer to the trail.

Great Blue Heron

Downy Woodpecker
I know some folk in Vermont that would love to happen upon a sight like this in mid-November. He just stood still, studying me as I ogled back at him.

White Tailed Deer - buck


A few butterflies and dragonflies were still about. This Variegated Fritillary was close at hand.

Variegated Fritillary

Gray Catbird
 The Peregrine Falcon attracted a lot attention from birders and crows. One crow stood guard, loudly telling the entire neighborhood that the falcon was nearby and stay on the alert.

Peregrine Falcon
Good Birding!!

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