I had an excellent morning for raptors mostly in the area of the Maintenance Yard and Stables.
The Red Shouldered Hawks did not dissappoint and defended their territory very well.  Then Two Red Tailed Hawks showed up and gave some courtship display and where met by the Red Shouldered Hawks.  
 
Then I got distracted by some sparrows - possibly a Field, so I moved in to take a closer look.  From behind me I hear a fast rush of air. I turned to investigate to see a Cooper's Hawk diving in right over my head into the sparrows of interest.  I never found out if it was a Field Sparrow.  I had to take a minute to take my heart out of my throat.  Yikes, I was a bit spooked by the speed of that bird.
 
In the mean time, a mob of Crows starts chasing both Red Tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks around the area.  This is going on for a while and I hear what sounded like a Great Horned Owl hoot.  I hope it was.  Thanks Crows.
 
Eventually everything calms down again and I hear a new call.  
My first BROAD WINGED HAWK of the year.  It briefly visited the stables area and flew off.  The single white band on the tail was very distinctive.  Two Turkey Vultures were also on the scene.
 
Heading South to Pierce Mill area, I also saw an OSPREY soaring over Klingle Mansion area of the Park. 
Yes, the sky is my friend.
 
Warblers for the day:
At Broad Branch
N. Parula
Louisiana Waterthrush
Yellow-Rumped
Also had a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers excavating a nest along Broad Branch next to the road - yeah for the Atlas!
 
At the Maintenance Yard
Yellow Warbler
Nashville Warbler
 
At the Ridge - I got there really late
Black and White Warbler
 
Denise Ryan
Washington, DC
 
 
 

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