While walking our dogs at Cromwell Valley Park today Joanne and I recorded a nice hawk flight.  Beginning at 3:00 pm we saw high flying accipiters and Kestrels intermingled with Turkey Vultures.  Over the next 2 hours we had 8 species of raptors totaling over 59 individuals,  almost all very high and difficult to spot. The Broad-winged  Hawks were the first of the season and were flying singly or in small groups, although at 5:00 pm we had a group of 9 birds.  Several local raptors were active, including a Coopers Hawk performing a slow, buoyant wing-beat display, an Osprey making several trips with nesting material, and Red-tails patrolling their territories.

Joanne and I will be leading a birdwalk on Saturday, April 11th  at Cromwell Valley Park beginning 8: 00am.  These walks are free and open to the public, and we encourage  beginners as well as experienced birders to join us in a leisurely stroll of the park. 

CVP HawkWatch   Friday, 4/10/09    3 to 5 pm

Broad-winged Hawk - 29
Red-tailed Hawk- 1
Coopers Hawk - 7
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 5
Am. Kestrel - 10
Osprey - 4
N. Harrier - 2
B. Eagle - 1

Jim Meyers 
Parkville  Md