[MDOsprey] Town Hill 10-16-99

Ray Kiddy (rrkiddy@hereintown.net)
Sat, 16 Oct 1999 23:49:33 -0400


Hi Everyone,

The Allegany County Bird Club today held its annual field trip to Town
Hill to watch hawks.  The 14 participants were rewarded with a somewhat
unusual combination of a beautiful fall day and a pretty decent flight.
Winds primarily from the SE at 5-10.  Obversations from 9:30 - 3:00.
The results:

1    Osprey
3    Northern Harrier
35    Sharp-shinned
6    Coopers
2    Red-shouldered
35    Red-tailed
1    Golden Eagle - immature at 12:33.  Great looks as the bird soared
past directly overhead.
1    American Kestrel
2    Merlin
1    Peregrine
1    UA

88    Total birds

While no attempt was made to count migrating TVs, 13 kettled in view at
one point.  And while it is commonplace to see Ravens (the non-football
variety) at TH, the 8 seen together this afternoon was pretty unusual.
Nothing significant was noted in the passerine migration.

All in all, a great way to spend a day.

Happy trails ....

Ray Kiddy
Cumberland, MD
rrkiddy@hereintown.net
www.hereintown.net/~rrkiddy/Kiddy.htm