Note also that the Red-footed Falcon is said to be a very high flier in
migration, so check out those dots in the sky.

Paul O'Brien
Rockville, Mont. Co., MD


In a message dated 8/26/04 8:14:30 AM,  writes:


> Hi --
>
> The Red-footed falcon on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, was not seen
> after about noon Tuesday, disappointing a lot of birders. The day was
> characterized by strong winds and the falcon had been reported making longer
> forays that morning
>
> However, it does raise an alert -- if the bird left on its own power (and
> wasn't the victim of a mishap), then it would probably be heading south.
> Which brings me to the Maryland facet -- birders on Assateague and similar
> points should be on the lookout! The bird would probably be pretty
> noticeable, larger than a kestrel but with somewhat similar feeding habits
> (hovers, catches flying insects on the wing, eats them on a perch), rather
> long-winged. Fast but not a dashing Merlin-like flyer. The Massachusetts
> bird was molting, and still retained some barred tail and primary feathers
> but was fairly uniform gray underneath, with characteristic red thighs (and
> feet of course!)
>
> Gail Mackiernan
> Colesville, MD
>