[MDOsprey] Broad-winged Hawk...

BlkVulture@aol.com
Mon, 28 Jun 1999 20:49:11 EDT


Hello all...

For the last five days or so (starting around 25 Jun 99) I have been seeing 
an adult Broad-winged Hawk hanging out in one location along US 29, just 
south of Gainesville, VA.  This bird was not seen here prior to this date.  I 
go past this location everyday, at least twice.  I suspect either a failed 
breeder, or one dispersed early.  

However, today it was dead in the middle of one of the lanes on 29.  
Obviously hit.  I dodged traffic to retrieve the bird to check for a band.  
No such luck.  Figure about the only good that can come from a dead hawk is 
finding a band.  So far I have picked up about 20 dead raptors and am yet to 
find one.  It had not been dead that long.  I suspect by the size that it was 
a male.   

I left the remains on the side of the road.  What I am wondering is, does 
Fish and Wildlife (or any other organization) want dead, fairly intact 
raptors?  Granted I am aware that it is quite illegal to even touch this 
thing.  Still I wonder if there is something better that can be done.  Or is 
it just crow food?

Todd Day
Jeffersonton, VA
BlkVulture@aol.com