In a message dated 2/10/2005 9:04:17 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
 writes:

Harrier  seems more likely for gray hawks at this time of  year.




Joe,
 I agree with Bob and Charlie with harrier the most likely candidate  for the 
birds you saw. Of all the eastern raptors, the harrier seems to me to be  the 
most likely to be confused with another species; its flight profile and  
silhouette can change (or seem to anyway) making it sometimes appear falcon-like  
and at other times appear kite-like (sometimes they can appear accipiter-like, 
 as in very high soaring flight). I have seen them fly very high, both in  
straight in-line flight and in high soaring flight, mostly in migration. It  
sometimes takes a few moments to realize that you're looking at a harrier and  
not a falcon (or kite). They are "the great pretender" of raptors...
 
Rick Sussman
Ashton, MD
 (mailto:[log in to unmask]) 
 
"...magic moments will still reward the patient  observer"