I had only a few sightings during my lunchtime walk today, 
but they were significant.
   A Bald Eagle soared high over the SI Castle as I began my 
walk, an adult.  When I reached the Ohio Drive bridge over
the Tidal Basin, an adult Bald Eagle (the same one?) was soaring 
over the Lincoln Monument.  It was soon approached by an
adult Red-tailed Hawk, but though I was hopeful, no sky
battle ensued.  Both went their own ways.
   With such an abundance of raptors in the sky, little
passerines near the DC Veteran's Memorial were keeping their
council.  I saw one skulking Cardinal and a very quiet, still
Mockingbird.
   Things became a bit more lively at Constitution Gardens,
where a flock of Kinglets (both species) were active, as were
a few juncos.  Finally, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker flew boldly
out into an leafless tree, allowing inspection for several minutes.
   And that completed my birding lunch.

                               Jim

Jim Felley
Smithsonian Institution