Early arrival Paul Guris witnessed an over-flight of 18 Brant, new for the trip. Eleven participants enjoyed a wide variety of raptors, most notably 4 Golden Eagles and 3 Northern Goshawks. I know the Golden Eagles were lifers for a few participants, including Barbara Granger. Along with the usual large contingent of Red-tails, there were Red-shouldered Hawks, Northern Harriers, and a Peregrine. Two Merlin provided a first trip record. Everyone witnessed an over-flight of 10 Tundra Swans, also new for the trip. An amazing 500+ American Crows passed by, along with a few Common Ravens.

Paul came equipped with a Nikon 50 mm. ED mounted on a Bush Hawk, basically a way of mounting a telescope on a stable platform by using an arm and shoulder for support. This proved invaluable in studying distant raptors.

The day turned out to be quite nice, embellished by a tree containing a group of Purple Finches and a trip record 10 Common Loons. There were Hermit Thrushes and Cedar Waxwings. Paul picked up calling Red-breasted Nuthatches and a Golden-crowned Kinglet, both new for the trip. The complete list of raptors follows:

Turkey Vulture – 20
BlackVulture - 3
Red-tailed Hawk – 100
Golden Eagle – 3
Red-shouldered Hawk – 13
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 30
Cooper’s Hawk – 2
Northern Goshawk – 3
Bald Eagle – 4
Common Raven – 5
Northern Harrier – 4
Peregrine Falcon – 1
Merlin - 2

Frank Windfelder
Philadelphia, PA

Pictures by Frank Windfelder

DVOC Hawkwatchers

Bob and Nathaniel Shaw