Gail Frantz, Paul Noell, and I went to Washington Monument State Park 
Wednesday (Oct 31) and joined up with Elliot Kirschbaum. Paul Newton 
was performing his services as regular hawk counter at the monument. 
We weren't really anticipating much in the way of raptors because 
everybody knows a beautiful cloudless day with light southerly winds 
is not likely to bring a good raptor flight.

Nevertheless, there was a pretty steady procession of Red-tailed Hawks 
and Sharp-shins. Then, starting about noon (DST) we saw THREE Golden 
Eagles in the course of an hour or so. The first two were well-marked 
immatures. The final one was a close adult, showing the golden hackles 
and the shorter head projection than a Bald Eagle in relation to the 
tail length.

Funny thing is, we were mainly doing this as an excuse to get out and 
enjoy the fall colors and nice weather. Colors were scarce. It still 
looks almost like August, even out there.

Many thanks to Paul Newton for IDing the eagles very early on. Daily 
reports can be seen on BIRDHAWK 
http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdhawk.html .

If you haven't discovered the route through Myersville, I recommend it 
as a pleasanter route than the signed route through Middletown. From 
I-70 exit north at Myersville and in about 1/4 mile go left on 
Monument Rd where there is a bank on the right. Go about 4 miles and 
turn right into the park. (Monument Rd takes a left turn after about 2 
miles and passes immediately under I-70).


Steve Sanford
Randallstown, Baltimore County
scartan^at^verizon^dot^net