September 3rd - Sharpie Day!

Today was our first day of good migration.  Sharpies were the bird of the day.  Many passed by low over the park.  Later in the day in the afternoon sun we had an adult Bald Eagle up high and out over the lake.  Although distant, it was spectacular to watch soar.

Today:
Osprey - 3
Bald Eagle - 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 76
Red-tailed Hawk - 4
American Kestrel - 1
Total - 86

To Date:
Turkey Vulture - 6
Osprey - 27
Bald Eagle - 9
Northern Harrier - 8
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 112
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Northern Goshawk - 0
Red-shouldered Hawk - 0
Broad-winged Hawk - 7
Red-tailed Hawk - 17
Rough-legged Hawk - 0
Golden Eagle - 0
American Kestrel - 17
Merlin - 5
Peregrine Falcon - 2
Total - 211

Eagle Time (EDT):
01:11 PM - BE immature (non-adult)
04:49 PM - BE adult

Here's a Sharpie photo that Paul Reeves took...

Sharp-shinned Hawk

 

...and an Osprey that I got.

Osprey

We counted 5 Common Loons.  Two new species were added to the List today - Red-breasted Merganser and Wilson's Warbler.  Another Giant Swallowtail butterfly, our fourth of the season, was seen flying through the park as well as 7 Monarch butterflies that were migrating.

Here's a couple of beautiful dragonfly photos courtesy of Paul Reeves.

Black Saddlebags

Green Darner

From the time that I arrived at the park (6:50 AM) the dragonflies were up flying and by early afternoon they absolutely filled the sky.

At 12:49 PM we watched as 9 Snowbirds flew by at high speed heading east.  They appeared to be in full breeding plumage!

Many people were out in anticipation of a good flight, they included: Paul, Ron, Betty, Kris, Pat & Nancy, Bruce 4, Bruce 5, Berle, Phil, Terry, Trudi, Byron, Alex, and Bill.  Thank you everybody for your help in spotting the birds today, much appreciated!

Walter