Respectfully, I retract my sightings from yesterday. My skills at
identification need some work. Back to work...

Dan Haas


On 4/14/08, Dan haas <> wrote:
> Good evening,
>
> While headed to the Arnold Post office in order to send off my last
> few pennies, dimes and nickels (oh, the joys of this taxing season), I
> spotted a 1st year NORTHERN HARRIER flying low over 84 Lumber.  That
> was nice, and for a brief moment... it took my mind off of income
> taxes.
>
> After successfully depleting my bank accounts, I went to check out the
> Severn River bridge PEREGRINES.  And despite the fact that I have not
> seen them in weeks, I've been assured that they're still around.  Last
> week the bridge was checked and the news is that these local falcons
> have not YET established a nest.  Unfortunately, the bridge workers
> are still doing some spot work and quite a lot of touch up painting...
> not to mention the fact that every bit of dirt, rocks and road salt
> that the birds used last year has been cleaned off of the girders
> under the road deck.  Oh, but don't feel bad for these falcons, as a
> deluxe 'Ritz Carlton' of nest boxes was installed this past winter.
> They have a home if they want a home. It's just up to these birds to
> find it and use it.
>
> As the saga continues, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.
>
> While observing the falcon-less bridge, I did see a number of NORTHERN
> ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS going in and out of nests in a nearby cliff
> (visible on the Arnold side to the West when traveling over the
> bridge).  In addition to those swallows, there were five PURPLE
> MARTINS further up in the sky foraging for a late lunch.  I am looking
> forward to getting my kayak in the water and getting a better view of
> this cliff face.
>
> Later in the afternoon, and a bit further South, I spotted another 1st
> year NORTHERN HARRIER flying low just off of Forest Drive (about a
> half mile South of the Safeway at the top of Forest Drive).  I was
> also lucky to see and photograph an AMERICAN BITTERN very near my
> folks house (behind that Safeway).  It was trying to fool me that it
> was just a clump of dried grass. Despite it's best 'I'm Not Bittern'
> impression, I figured it out and took many photographs.
>
> So, in closing... Attention Sue Ricciardi!!! Tomorrow morning you
> should have at least TWO HARRIERS headed to your famous Ft. Smallwood
> Hawk Watch!  Do tell the Harriers I said hello.
>
> Good Counting,
>
> Dan Haas
> West Annapolis, MD
> 
> http://wahzoh.blogspot.com/
>