Aug 25th - 5 More!

As expected, a warm southeast wind today did not bring many raptors our way, so we sat in the shade of the big ol' Maple and chatted instead.  The highlight of the day was watching our two local Red-tailed Hawks put on a wonderful hour-long show as only they can do.  They seemed to be very interested in something on the west side of the park, possibly a rabbit as one was seen headed in that general area earlier in the day.

Today:
Northern Harrier - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 3
American Kestrel - 1
Total - 5

To Date:
Osprey - 26
Bald Eagle - 7
Northern Harrier - 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 25
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Broad-winged Hawk - 8
American Kestrel - 9
Merlin - 5
Total - 85

These are a few shots that I managed to get...

As some of you are aware, one of the two 'locals' has a silver band on it's left leg.  The bird has been in the area for a couple of months.  I was interested in knowing more about this bird and as Lee had mentioned to me in a text message, Ann would have the answer as to where it was banded - at the Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station two years ago by Amanda Guercio.  Thankyou!

Cedar Waxwings were the only songbird of note this morning.  They continue to move back and forth across the sky in small groups.

As for butterflies, the park was fairly quiet today although I did see 2 more Giant Swallowtails very early in the morning.

I thank Betty, Ron, Pat & Nancy, Peter, Hugh and Manny as well as a few others for all the camaraderie today.

Walter