Hi folks,

I may have had a three-accipiter bike ride to work today (and the only
reason I say "may have" is that I didn't look closely to confirm ID of a
Cooper's):

First, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was circling with crows above the corner of
Beaverdam and Research Rds.  The hawk and the crows were taking turns
chasing each other.  I was impressed with how much smaller the hawk is
than the crows. It was also more agile.

Then, as I was crossing in front of the compost facility (along
Beaverdam Road) an accipiter shot across the street and landed in a tree
full of crows.  Looked like a Cooper's but I didn't stop to do a
positive ID since COOPER'S HAWKS are the most common accipiter along
Beaverdam Rd.  This time of year there is often one hanging out in the
vicinity of the dairy and the neighborhood just south of Beaverdam Rd.

And then the clincher that makes it worthwhile writing an email: a
GOSHAWK winged his (her?) way between buildings 001 and 003 (just to the
west of Rt. 1) as I was pulling up behind building 001. I haven't seen a
goshawk in many, many years.  It was immediately identifiable, however,
based on size alone and accipiter dimensions.  Very powerful looking
body, relatively short tail for an accipiter.  As we used to say in
Massachusetts, "Wicked Pissa Cool".  She (based on size) flew over
building 007 toward Little Paint Branch Creek and the Beltway and I
couldn't see her anymore but I didn't try very hard. Folks in College
Park may want to keep an eye out. 

Sorry I couldn't send this email earlier today--work got in the way.

Michel

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Michel A. Cavigelli
Research Soil Scientist
Sustainable Agricultural Systems Lab
Animal and Natural Resources Institute
Bldg 001, Rm 140
BARC-West
10300 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705
 
301-504-8327 office
240-304-9480 cell
301-504-8370 fax
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