BESP and Jo Hayes Vista 10-28-10

This morning Tim Schreckengost and I birded Bald Eagle State Park. Highlights were 2 Greater Yellowlegs (photo below), 2 Common Loons, 7 Gadwall, and a raft a 133 American Coots. At one point one of the adult Bald Eagles that nests nearby dove at the raft of coots, but was unsuccessful in capturing one.

Greater Yellowlegs

From 1:00pm till 5:30pm, I hawk watched from Jo Hayes Vista. By the time I left, I had counted 91 raptors migrate past. Most numerous were Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures. Other species included Sharp-shinned Hawks, Northern Harrier, Black Vulture, Bald Eagles, and a Golden Eagle (my 442nd bird species this year!).

Most of the Red-tailed Hawks were passing in groups ranging in size from two to seven individuals, all lined up and gliding through. Of the adult Red-tails that flew in close enough to see well, individuals were evenly mixed between typical "Eastern" types and "Canadian" types.

Totals:

Black Vulture - 5; a group of 2 and a group of 3
Turkey Vulture - 24; mostly juveniles
Bald Eagle - 2; 4th year @ 2:10pm and juvenile @ 4:52pm
Northern Harrier - 1 adult male
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 3; two adults, 1 juvenile
Red-tailed Hawk - 55; 46 adults, 8 juvenile
Golden Eagle 1 subadult; passed by @ 2:55pm

Adult Red-tailed Hawk
Adult Red-tailed Hawk

Adult Red-tailed Hawk - heavily streaked

Adult Red-tailed Hawk - lightly streaked (compare to the photo above; these two birds flew past together)

Juvenile Bald Eagle

Another Adult Red-tailed Hawk

Adult Turkey Vulture