NG sightings- all sightings were naked eye, and all were in flight, yet not in migration, all were resident hawks. Some Cooper’s were perched and some were in flight. From 8/28/18 up to November 25-18.
9/24/18. 1 mature NG. AM- bright sun. Altitude of bird about 150-200 feet. A lot of silver and white coming off the hawk. Ripping through with very little gliding. Near Saint Mary’s Church, Anacortes (SMC).
10/22/18. 1 female NG. Noon- SMC. Altitude of hawk about 150 feet.
11/11/18. At Skagit Regional Airport. The hawk was far off, at about 150 feet altitude. Observation time about 30 seconds. It was cool with a cool breeze. The hawk was fresh.
11/15/18. 1 NG out the kitchen window. The hawk was fresh but the weather was not fresh. Elevation of bird 150 feet. Elapsed time of observation about 10 seconds. The hawk did not flap and was in straight- line flight, and very rapid. Near SMC.
My over all observation is that there was certainly very little raptor activity, even passivity, in raptor activity.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Another hawk watcher
It looks as if we have another hawk watcher in the state of Washington. From a posting on Tweeters, the name is Michael Charest. The post— probable Gyr Falcon Boeing Field. Saturday, November 10- 2018.
Other than myself, Mr. Charest is the only hawk watcher I know of in Washington. Yes there are other hawk watchers. However as soon as they depart the official hawk watch site, they go into default. They revert. They now become birders, again.
From one of my profound statements—Birders are not hawk watchers, and most of them will never become hawk watchers. It is too much of an other endeavor, too much of a leap of faith. It is too sketchy— too much of an art- form.
Over and out.
Other than myself, Mr. Charest is the only hawk watcher I know of in Washington. Yes there are other hawk watchers. However as soon as they depart the official hawk watch site, they go into default. They revert. They now become birders, again.
From one of my profound statements—Birders are not hawk watchers, and most of them will never become hawk watchers. It is too much of an other endeavor, too much of a leap of faith. It is too sketchy— too much of an art- form.
Over and out.
white-tailed hawk
Dear birders and hawkwatchers- and there is a world of difference.
At whatbird.com a photographer in California suggested that his photo was of a white-tailed kite. Two subscribers agree with the submission. The bird in question appears to be a Goshawk or a Sharpie, which is a Goshawk look-alike. If it is a Kite, where are the shortened anterior primaries?
Be aware -
a consensus is not science. And this refers to the Globel Warming Hoax.
Be fire- my friend.
At whatbird.com a photographer in California suggested that his photo was of a white-tailed kite. Two subscribers agree with the submission. The bird in question appears to be a Goshawk or a Sharpie, which is a Goshawk look-alike. If it is a Kite, where are the shortened anterior primaries?
Be aware -
a consensus is not science. And this refers to the Globel Warming Hoax.
Be fire- my friend.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Hawking- zero rap
Oct. 13 - 2018
We went hawking - basically looking for raptors in the sky. We made three pull-overs. One for just a minute or three, overlooking Puget Sound, and about 10 minutes on another location observing the Sound. And about 10 minutes observing a bay. We travelled about 50 miles, on North Whidby Island and Fidalgo Island. Again, a paucity of raptors, including not one perched raptor or one raptor in the deep blue sky. We observed some typical gulls and crows. One Great blue Heron in the sky and one perched Kingfisher.
So is this just one of those days in which raptors do not take to the sky? I am starting to think that something is happening to the raptor population on Fidalgo and North Whidbey Island. Tommorow I will spend at least two hours in the field hawking in the Butler Flats of Skagit. I have only visited the area once and only for a drive around. I am expecting to observe goshawks. Be water- my friend.
We went hawking - basically looking for raptors in the sky. We made three pull-overs. One for just a minute or three, overlooking Puget Sound, and about 10 minutes on another location observing the Sound. And about 10 minutes observing a bay. We travelled about 50 miles, on North Whidby Island and Fidalgo Island. Again, a paucity of raptors, including not one perched raptor or one raptor in the deep blue sky. We observed some typical gulls and crows. One Great blue Heron in the sky and one perched Kingfisher.
So is this just one of those days in which raptors do not take to the sky? I am starting to think that something is happening to the raptor population on Fidalgo and North Whidbey Island. Tommorow I will spend at least two hours in the field hawking in the Butler Flats of Skagit. I have only visited the area once and only for a drive around. I am expecting to observe goshawks. Be water- my friend.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Goshawk sightings 2018
NG sightings up until Sept.22-2018
Heed this- 1 Turkey Vulture perched on Best Road -Skagit County. January 14.
1 NG in flight over Memorial Hwy near Avon Allen Road.
3/3/18 Anacortes- 1 male NG, circling far away- naked eye. Bright sun, cold-light breeze.
3/8/18 Anacortes- Sky Line Marina.1 mature female NG,fighting 20 m.p.h. winds, at about 150 feet altitude.
3/11/18 Anacortes- 1 NG soaring- observation time about 2 minutes.
3/12/18 1 mature female NG- Smiley’s Bottom, Anacortes. The hawk was in flight directly overhead at about 100 feet altitude.
3/15/18 1 NG , in tight circles. Altitude of bird about 1-2 thousand feet. Observation time 3 minutes. Smiley’s Bottom, Anacortes. Naked eye - bright sun.
3/16/18 1 male NG, ripping and far away. Naked eye- 3 second look. Smiley’s Bottom, Anacortes.
7/28/18 1 male NG soaring and 1 perched Bank Swallow-Satterly Road and Similk Bay, Anacortes.
A female Cooper’s Hawk is in the area of Saint Mary Church, Anacortes. Observed 3 times in flight in July.
8/12/18 1 female NG, naked eye, at 1-2 thousand feet altitude and going into clouds, Saint Mary Church, Anacortes. 2:30 P.M.
8/17/18 1 female NG, in
Flight and going to perch. Saint Mary Church, Anacortes. Now the NG season has started and will last until June 2019.
8/26/18 1 female NG, naked eye. The hawk was fighting a strong wind and no doubt went down into Grand Cemetery, next to Saint Mary Church.
8/27/18 1 NG, circling and drifting over my house, at 200 feet altitude,observation time 2 minutes, naked eye. I live very near Saint Mary Church. On the first of Sept. is when the NG will come into full force.
Heed this- 1 Turkey Vulture perched on Best Road -Skagit County. January 14.
1 NG in flight over Memorial Hwy near Avon Allen Road.
3/3/18 Anacortes- 1 male NG, circling far away- naked eye. Bright sun, cold-light breeze.
3/8/18 Anacortes- Sky Line Marina.1 mature female NG,fighting 20 m.p.h. winds, at about 150 feet altitude.
3/11/18 Anacortes- 1 NG soaring- observation time about 2 minutes.
3/12/18 1 mature female NG- Smiley’s Bottom, Anacortes. The hawk was in flight directly overhead at about 100 feet altitude.
3/15/18 1 NG , in tight circles. Altitude of bird about 1-2 thousand feet. Observation time 3 minutes. Smiley’s Bottom, Anacortes. Naked eye - bright sun.
3/16/18 1 male NG, ripping and far away. Naked eye- 3 second look. Smiley’s Bottom, Anacortes.
7/28/18 1 male NG soaring and 1 perched Bank Swallow-Satterly Road and Similk Bay, Anacortes.
A female Cooper’s Hawk is in the area of Saint Mary Church, Anacortes. Observed 3 times in flight in July.
8/12/18 1 female NG, naked eye, at 1-2 thousand feet altitude and going into clouds, Saint Mary Church, Anacortes. 2:30 P.M.
8/17/18 1 female NG, in
Flight and going to perch. Saint Mary Church, Anacortes. Now the NG season has started and will last until June 2019.
8/26/18 1 female NG, naked eye. The hawk was fighting a strong wind and no doubt went down into Grand Cemetery, next to Saint Mary Church.
8/27/18 1 NG, circling and drifting over my house, at 200 feet altitude,observation time 2 minutes, naked eye. I live very near Saint Mary Church. On the first of Sept. is when the NG will come into full force.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Goshawk sighting 2017
April 3- 2017 Daily walk NG. 1 female NG., soaring and flapping, Anacortes. Observation time about 4 minutes.
4/7 Female Cooper’s- 3 second look- at a dark , fairly large accipiter was diving between buildings, cold winds of 25 miles per hour or more.
August 20- Mature female NG, flapping and gliding to perch on top of tall evergreen. Then hawk went soaring , flapping and circling. Observation time - 3 or 4 minutes. Naked eye - Saint Mary’s Church, Anacortes.
August 21- One female NG, flapping and gliding, Saint Mary’s Church (SMC).
Oct. 31- near SMC, 1 male NG, in flight and perched on very top of tall evergreen tree.
Oct. 8- 1 NG soaring at 200 feet altitude, Mount Erie School, Anacortes. Probably female, observation time, 2 minutes.
Nov. 17 - down the hill at Mike’s house- a previous posting.
Dec. 10- a female NG soaring and drifting over my house- about 200 feet altitude. Bright sun - no wind. Now on to 2018- on another posting.
4/7 Female Cooper’s- 3 second look- at a dark , fairly large accipiter was diving between buildings, cold winds of 25 miles per hour or more.
August 20- Mature female NG, flapping and gliding to perch on top of tall evergreen. Then hawk went soaring , flapping and circling. Observation time - 3 or 4 minutes. Naked eye - Saint Mary’s Church, Anacortes.
August 21- One female NG, flapping and gliding, Saint Mary’s Church (SMC).
Oct. 31- near SMC, 1 male NG, in flight and perched on very top of tall evergreen tree.
Oct. 8- 1 NG soaring at 200 feet altitude, Mount Erie School, Anacortes. Probably female, observation time, 2 minutes.
Nov. 17 - down the hill at Mike’s house- a previous posting.
Dec. 10- a female NG soaring and drifting over my house- about 200 feet altitude. Bright sun - no wind. Now on to 2018- on another posting.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
paucity of raptors
This post is not scientific because it is only about me and my observations, or lack of observations. For many weeks I have been observing the sky, daily and throughout the day, yet I realize that I am only one person and can only be in one place at any particular time.
Here are the raptors that are in short supply- eagles, ospreys, Red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and Northern Goshawks. I am not a birder. I am a hawk watcher, and I’m in the field (the sky every day) even though I am traveling on the highway at 60 mph. or winding down a steep country road at 15 mph., or even from inside my house as I am often looking into the sky.
Recently, over the last 2 months or more, my home base is Anacortes, I have travelled to Stanwood and the Arlington area twice, that also means Fir Island Road and Conway, and twice toward Samish Flats.
Paucity means zero Peregrine falcons in flight. The most Turkey Vultures observed were 3 and then 30 minutes later another three. On one drive there were some (three) perched Red-tailed hawks. The only raptors I record or photograph are Golden Eagles and goshawks, sometimes I will record Sharp-shinned hawks, because, for me, they are a very uncommon species.
Here are my recent sightings, from my field notes: Zero Merlin this year; zero Sharp-shinned hawks; zero Peregrine falcons. I just today observed the 2 Osprey nests, downtown Anacortes. Zero activity at the one nest on the metal tower, and mature Osprey with one chick or more, at the second tower.
The sighting lasted about about one minute. The location is very near The Market, which is near Safeway. Then it was over to the March Point Refinery- with one perched Red-tailed hawk. As an aside- 23 White Pelicans soaring over Whitmarsh Junction which is the South-east corner of the refinery property.
I often, more than once a day pay attention to the Tweeters birding listserve. It seems that raptors are not being observed, as related to organized field trips or to the tally counts of an individual or two.
Be water- my friend.
Here are the raptors that are in short supply- eagles, ospreys, Red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and Northern Goshawks. I am not a birder. I am a hawk watcher, and I’m in the field (the sky every day) even though I am traveling on the highway at 60 mph. or winding down a steep country road at 15 mph., or even from inside my house as I am often looking into the sky.
Recently, over the last 2 months or more, my home base is Anacortes, I have travelled to Stanwood and the Arlington area twice, that also means Fir Island Road and Conway, and twice toward Samish Flats.
Paucity means zero Peregrine falcons in flight. The most Turkey Vultures observed were 3 and then 30 minutes later another three. On one drive there were some (three) perched Red-tailed hawks. The only raptors I record or photograph are Golden Eagles and goshawks, sometimes I will record Sharp-shinned hawks, because, for me, they are a very uncommon species.
Here are my recent sightings, from my field notes: Zero Merlin this year; zero Sharp-shinned hawks; zero Peregrine falcons. I just today observed the 2 Osprey nests, downtown Anacortes. Zero activity at the one nest on the metal tower, and mature Osprey with one chick or more, at the second tower.
The sighting lasted about about one minute. The location is very near The Market, which is near Safeway. Then it was over to the March Point Refinery- with one perched Red-tailed hawk. As an aside- 23 White Pelicans soaring over Whitmarsh Junction which is the South-east corner of the refinery property.
I often, more than once a day pay attention to the Tweeters birding listserve. It seems that raptors are not being observed, as related to organized field trips or to the tally counts of an individual or two.
Be water- my friend.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Two questions
On my post— On Fred; what is the gist of the post? What is the crux of the situation? You can put yourself standing next to me in that small group gathered around Fred. Or imagine yourself away from the group or looking downward into the group. What is Fred saying?
You are as a hawk watcher and have a clear observation of a bird in the sky, meaning the bird is at altitude of 100 or more feet. There is no obstruction of any background “noise” such as terrain features or textures competing for your attention. So the only background is the blue of the sky. The bird is about one-half mile from your position. You contemplate the bird is a Robin, even though the bird is not within a flock. You are using your 8X binos, and also have borrowed your friend’s 10x binos.
The question— how small is the Robin, with the 8X binos. Also, how small is the Robin with the 10X binos.
The answer to the first question. Fred is smarter than you!
The Robin question— the Robin is nine to eleven inches small!
Why am I the only one observing Goshawks in Texas? In chronological order— in Livingston, Rockport, Tyler, Kemah (Houston), Galveston, and Georgetown? Because I am smarter than you. All of the birders in Texas? Yes! But do not misunderstand— more later, on my next post.
You are as a hawk watcher and have a clear observation of a bird in the sky, meaning the bird is at altitude of 100 or more feet. There is no obstruction of any background “noise” such as terrain features or textures competing for your attention. So the only background is the blue of the sky. The bird is about one-half mile from your position. You contemplate the bird is a Robin, even though the bird is not within a flock. You are using your 8X binos, and also have borrowed your friend’s 10x binos.
The question— how small is the Robin, with the 8X binos. Also, how small is the Robin with the 10X binos.
The answer to the first question. Fred is smarter than you!
The Robin question— the Robin is nine to eleven inches small!
Why am I the only one observing Goshawks in Texas? In chronological order— in Livingston, Rockport, Tyler, Kemah (Houston), Galveston, and Georgetown? Because I am smarter than you. All of the birders in Texas? Yes! But do not misunderstand— more later, on my next post.
Goshawks of Bakersfield
I have stopped in Bakersfield, CA always at the Orange Grove RVPark, for a week or sometimes for just a day or two. I have never birded or hawked the actual city, but have cut through the town, two or three times on route 99, or on the outskirts on route 58. Although I was always aware of any raptors in the sky as I drove through, I believe that Bakersfield will contain many NG— many—meaning 4 NG.
On at least two occasions, I have observed NG in the sky from the RV Park on the east side of Bakersfield, that is Edison Road.
Where are these NG coming from? I say— there is little doubt these NG are coming from and breeding in the Tehachapi Mountains! Is that where the Goshawks of San Diego are coming from?!
The Thought— John Kerry: Dirty Diaper Progenitor— DDP.
On at least two occasions, I have observed NG in the sky from the RV Park on the east side of Bakersfield, that is Edison Road.
Where are these NG coming from? I say— there is little doubt these NG are coming from and breeding in the Tehachapi Mountains! Is that where the Goshawks of San Diego are coming from?!
The Thought— John Kerry: Dirty Diaper Progenitor— DDP.
Friday, May 11, 2018
More on my friend
For 20 years Mike has been traveling to Alaska with his truck, sometimes twice a year. I am of the opinion the Mike has observed a NG passing in front of his truck. Mike must have observed some NG’s soaring, as he was driving. However, my friend is not a birder, is not very interested in birds. But, he is my friend and my one-half mile away neighbor.
Back to you, your neighbor, your friend. With Skagit Audubon at Rasar State Park— in a very light rain, a female NG lifted out off the evergreen trees, to spiral upward. Then a few seconds later, another female NG lifted from the same area; at Iverson Spit— a male NG was displaying in the sky, as I called the hawk; at Port Susan Preserve a female NG was going toward small trees or to ground behind a berm, as I alerted Gary Bletsch to the hawk.
In Tucson, on the pickle ball court, on more than one occasion, I called out a NG in flight, as was observed by the players on the court and the players waiting their turn to get on the court.
On a whale watch boat off of the Paul Allen Estate, Lopez Island, I pointed out a female NG to the tour guide instructor.
The thought— Take pride in your work; or you will hear from your neighbors.
Back to you, your neighbor, your friend. With Skagit Audubon at Rasar State Park— in a very light rain, a female NG lifted out off the evergreen trees, to spiral upward. Then a few seconds later, another female NG lifted from the same area; at Iverson Spit— a male NG was displaying in the sky, as I called the hawk; at Port Susan Preserve a female NG was going toward small trees or to ground behind a berm, as I alerted Gary Bletsch to the hawk.
In Tucson, on the pickle ball court, on more than one occasion, I called out a NG in flight, as was observed by the players on the court and the players waiting their turn to get on the court.
On a whale watch boat off of the Paul Allen Estate, Lopez Island, I pointed out a female NG to the tour guide instructor.
The thought— Take pride in your work; or you will hear from your neighbors.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
You’ve seen goshawks
You’ve seen goshawks; Your friends have seen goshawks; Your neighbors have seen goshawks! And I will say it over and over again.
Do not misunderstand; I am not saying that you have misidentified NG. It is simply that you haven’t made an attempt to identify a raptor in flight. And this will lead into another post; Don’t cop out on me— Don’t cop out on yourself. Nearly every one of my posts will lead into another one or more of my postings. So far, right now, this post relates to my number one rule. That is — I will never say you misidentified a bird, unless I am there with you in the field, and we are both onto the same bird.
I was with my neighbor on his property, which is just behind my house, when he calls “look.” There was a NG circling. And this has happened more than once, with my sharp-eyed neighbor-friend. He should be sharp-eyed as he is a tug boat captain. I went walking to an acquaintance’s house which was a half- mile away. He was outside working on his house. I called, “look” as a NG was circling. It was around Christmas 2016 when I was talking with my neighbor across the street. We were standing on his front yard when he called, “look.” There was a mature female NG circling low over my house. Then fifteen-seconds later, I brought to his attention, another female NG over my house, at the same altitude, and the same flight direction as the first NG. You’ve seen goshawks; Your friends have seen goshawks; Your neighbors have seen goshawks!
Recently, in winter 2017-18, I went down my steep road, and there was my friend in his yard. Mike is a hunter, trapper, machinist, who assembles his own rifles and hunts big game in many areas of British Columbia and Alaska. To our front was a raptor ripping through, low over the near-by roof top. Mike asked— what kind of bird was that! I replied— a northern goshawk, mature. “ Did you see the silver and white coming off that bird.” I quickly departed the area, as I had my camera, and went to chase.
Do not misunderstand; I am not saying that you have misidentified NG. It is simply that you haven’t made an attempt to identify a raptor in flight. And this will lead into another post; Don’t cop out on me— Don’t cop out on yourself. Nearly every one of my posts will lead into another one or more of my postings. So far, right now, this post relates to my number one rule. That is — I will never say you misidentified a bird, unless I am there with you in the field, and we are both onto the same bird.
I was with my neighbor on his property, which is just behind my house, when he calls “look.” There was a NG circling. And this has happened more than once, with my sharp-eyed neighbor-friend. He should be sharp-eyed as he is a tug boat captain. I went walking to an acquaintance’s house which was a half- mile away. He was outside working on his house. I called, “look” as a NG was circling. It was around Christmas 2016 when I was talking with my neighbor across the street. We were standing on his front yard when he called, “look.” There was a mature female NG circling low over my house. Then fifteen-seconds later, I brought to his attention, another female NG over my house, at the same altitude, and the same flight direction as the first NG. You’ve seen goshawks; Your friends have seen goshawks; Your neighbors have seen goshawks!
Recently, in winter 2017-18, I went down my steep road, and there was my friend in his yard. Mike is a hunter, trapper, machinist, who assembles his own rifles and hunts big game in many areas of British Columbia and Alaska. To our front was a raptor ripping through, low over the near-by roof top. Mike asked— what kind of bird was that! I replied— a northern goshawk, mature. “ Did you see the silver and white coming off that bird.” I quickly departed the area, as I had my camera, and went to chase.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Very smart Crows
My friend has a very large walnut tree near his backyard. The crows will pick the walnuts and fly over and near his house to drop the walnuts in the road. The crows are hoping to get cars to smash the walnuts. Some of the very smart crows will wait on the side of the road and watch the action of the hit or miss action of the car tires. Some of the crows will nudge the walnut to another position if the car tire misses the walnut.
However, you will never see a crow get hit by a car or a dead crow on the road. Here is what is happening. There is always a crow that acts as a Sargent-of the guard, and is always perched on high, as on a telephone pole or wires acting as a lookout. And every time a car comes near, the guard screams— Karrr Kaarrr karrr!
.
However, you will never see a crow get hit by a car or a dead crow on the road. Here is what is happening. There is always a crow that acts as a Sargent-of the guard, and is always perched on high, as on a telephone pole or wires acting as a lookout. And every time a car comes near, the guard screams— Karrr Kaarrr karrr!
.
On Trump
Did you see the video or the photograph of Trump being kissed on the cheek by that French President? Trump was visibly shook-up. And I can understand why. When the Frenchman kissed Trump, he whispered in Trump’s ear, “ later on, I will kiss you in another place.”
Friday, April 27, 2018
The Okanogan
There was a report on a birding listserve of a birder in the Okanogan. A raptor was circling behind and over trees. Then the bird went away, then the bird was observed again. Finally the hawk went to perch; and finally the hawk was identified as a NG.
The birder was very happy. I am happy for the birder. It was years ago that I bumped into Patric Sullivan in the field for the first and only time. We exchanged a sentence or three. I asked Patric about his GOSHAWK license plate. Patric informed me— the Okanogan has many goshawks.
What would be the outcome if that hawk did not go to perch? Then you would have — You’ve seen goshawks; your friends have seen goshawks; your neighbors have seen goshawks.
Birders are not hawkwatchers. Most of them never will become hawkwatchers. It is too much of another dicipline; too much of a leap of faith.
The thought— North Korea’s answer to Glen Beck!
Kim-Jong-un.
The birder was very happy. I am happy for the birder. It was years ago that I bumped into Patric Sullivan in the field for the first and only time. We exchanged a sentence or three. I asked Patric about his GOSHAWK license plate. Patric informed me— the Okanogan has many goshawks.
What would be the outcome if that hawk did not go to perch? Then you would have — You’ve seen goshawks; your friends have seen goshawks; your neighbors have seen goshawks.
Birders are not hawkwatchers. Most of them never will become hawkwatchers. It is too much of another dicipline; too much of a leap of faith.
The thought— North Korea’s answer to Glen Beck!
Kim-Jong-un.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
I am not
I am not the smartest person in my neighborhood; hawkwatching is not rocket science. I am not an educated person. What I say is not that important. But I do know which end of a pair of binoculars is the eyepiece— Mr. www.pokergo.com!
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Cooper’s no affinity for sky
Cooper’s hawk—CH— during non- migration times do not take to the sky. Definition— sky is about 20 feet over the tallest tree that is in the area, the tallest tree that could be in the area. The CH knows at what height could be the tallest tree. Just amagine an elevation of 100 feet and add 20 more feet. A CH might circle about the tallest trees, but will put down right into the area in which it is circling. In other words, a CH is a sneaky bird and will nearly always travel in a straight line. This raptor is all business-like, and will kill just for the thrill of killing, not necessarily to eat. I say a CH certainly prefers to be in the air but not in the sky— only during migration. So know the CH migration schedule and add a fudge-factor of 2 weeks. This concept will occur as the CH is on its home base, meaning where it nests and where it migrates.
What is the takeaway of this post? My detractors will certainly try and prove me wrong. And I may be wrong as I do not know the behavior of CH in areas such as The Carolinas. If there is a large enough sample of information and I am thought to be 90 percent accurate, then actually I am 100 percent wrong!
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. When you reach that prominent point on that ridge line or mountain top, let us say 900 feet elevation, and you come upon a CH, how did that hawk get there. That hawk did not leave its perch and take to the sky, by climbing and-or soaring, from its perch— let us say, 1 mile from the mountain top. Then the hawk would reach an altitude of 900 feet and level off and proceed to your position. Here is how that CH arrived on that mountain top— it followed the tree tops! Or it snuck through the trees. If the terrain was barren, the hawk followed the contour of the side of the mountain. All the time sticking about 100 feet or less to the terrain or to the terrain of the top’s of the trees.
There will be a group of birders who will try and determine if my concerns are accurate, or how accurate are my contentions. So, if I am correct in my observations, and I am in my many years of hawking all year long, but my observation might not be your observations, then birders will have an easy out when it comes to accipiter evaluation. However, this is an improper thought! You should never say- think; that accipiter in the sky is not a CH because CH do not have an affinity for the sky during non-migration times. You must always put into words what you are observing. You must always define what you are observing. As an aside— you should never reason— that accipiter in the sky in Thackersville, Oklahoma is not a Northern Goshawk because the range maps show that that hawk should not be here. Please understand, a range map does not identify a bird. Please understand, range maps are inaccurate when it comes to Nortern Goshawks. Specifically, resident NG can be observed in many areas of Southern California, S.E. Arizona, and many areas of eastern Texas!
For many years in my field notes and my writing, I would use the term— elevation of bird, EOB. Now I know that that is not the proper word. The word should have been, altitude of bird. Altitude refers to an object that is not attached to the earth. Elevation refers to a terrain feature, above sea level.
This little post will certainly lead into one of my pet peeves— Don’t cop out on me; Don’t cop out on yourself. When you use a range map to define what you are observing, you are copping out on me. And this will lead into another subject— birders are too habitat conscious.
One more thought, to back-track. That CH in that ridge line. Can’t the hawk just jump off the mountain top, start flapping and drifting and level off to soar and travel a distance of about one-half mile away from the base off the mountain? I say no. The hawk will descend from the ridge line by following the the contour of the terrain which is also the terrain of the tree tops.
So what does this post really mean? Well, you could say this post has very little meaning, and I will agree. This post should impact upon what you perceive in the air-sky. The best to all of you— not just your top part or bottom part, but all of you.
What is the takeaway of this post? My detractors will certainly try and prove me wrong. And I may be wrong as I do not know the behavior of CH in areas such as The Carolinas. If there is a large enough sample of information and I am thought to be 90 percent accurate, then actually I am 100 percent wrong!
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. When you reach that prominent point on that ridge line or mountain top, let us say 900 feet elevation, and you come upon a CH, how did that hawk get there. That hawk did not leave its perch and take to the sky, by climbing and-or soaring, from its perch— let us say, 1 mile from the mountain top. Then the hawk would reach an altitude of 900 feet and level off and proceed to your position. Here is how that CH arrived on that mountain top— it followed the tree tops! Or it snuck through the trees. If the terrain was barren, the hawk followed the contour of the side of the mountain. All the time sticking about 100 feet or less to the terrain or to the terrain of the top’s of the trees.
There will be a group of birders who will try and determine if my concerns are accurate, or how accurate are my contentions. So, if I am correct in my observations, and I am in my many years of hawking all year long, but my observation might not be your observations, then birders will have an easy out when it comes to accipiter evaluation. However, this is an improper thought! You should never say- think; that accipiter in the sky is not a CH because CH do not have an affinity for the sky during non-migration times. You must always put into words what you are observing. You must always define what you are observing. As an aside— you should never reason— that accipiter in the sky in Thackersville, Oklahoma is not a Northern Goshawk because the range maps show that that hawk should not be here. Please understand, a range map does not identify a bird. Please understand, range maps are inaccurate when it comes to Nortern Goshawks. Specifically, resident NG can be observed in many areas of Southern California, S.E. Arizona, and many areas of eastern Texas!
For many years in my field notes and my writing, I would use the term— elevation of bird, EOB. Now I know that that is not the proper word. The word should have been, altitude of bird. Altitude refers to an object that is not attached to the earth. Elevation refers to a terrain feature, above sea level.
This little post will certainly lead into one of my pet peeves— Don’t cop out on me; Don’t cop out on yourself. When you use a range map to define what you are observing, you are copping out on me. And this will lead into another subject— birders are too habitat conscious.
One more thought, to back-track. That CH in that ridge line. Can’t the hawk just jump off the mountain top, start flapping and drifting and level off to soar and travel a distance of about one-half mile away from the base off the mountain? I say no. The hawk will descend from the ridge line by following the the contour of the terrain which is also the terrain of the tree tops.
So what does this post really mean? Well, you could say this post has very little meaning, and I will agree. This post should impact upon what you perceive in the air-sky. The best to all of you— not just your top part or bottom part, but all of you.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
An interesting question
When I first arrived in Williamsport, PA is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
When I first arrived in Coastal Bend Texas, Rockport, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
When I first arrived in Tucson, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
When I first arrived in San Diego, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
When I arrived in Anacortes and Deception Pass, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
I resided in northern Hunterdon County, New Jersey for 25 years, was that when the goshawks first arrived?
Certainly not! It was not until the early 1990’s that there was a goshawk invasion into northern Hunterdon County. This is about 19 years after I arrived.
Now I have a better question. Forget about me. When the Cooper’s hawks started to invade the cities and suburbs, is that when the Northern Goshawks started to follow?!
When I first arrived in Coastal Bend Texas, Rockport, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
When I first arrived in Tucson, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
When I first arrived in San Diego, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
When I arrived in Anacortes and Deception Pass, is that when the goshawks first arrived? It is possible but not likely.
I resided in northern Hunterdon County, New Jersey for 25 years, was that when the goshawks first arrived?
Certainly not! It was not until the early 1990’s that there was a goshawk invasion into northern Hunterdon County. This is about 19 years after I arrived.
Now I have a better question. Forget about me. When the Cooper’s hawks started to invade the cities and suburbs, is that when the Northern Goshawks started to follow?!
Red goshawks
My definition of a red goshawk is one that has a chest, belly, and under wing coverts of red, or red orange. If you think accipiter identification was difficult before— now it is even more difficult. I have observed NG with red on the chest and I call these raptors NG with a red chest.
Here are most of my sightings. All sightings were of raptors in flight. At Costco in Tucson, on Grant, female. There were many sightings of male and female, and sightings were over a period of five years. Was it the same birds, no. How many actual red NG were there? I do not know. In Goodyear— one male.
In Anacortes,WA, many sightings of male, and female over a period of about five years.
In Texas— Rockport, winter 2002-03. Three or four sightings of female, one sighting on the Christmas bird count. One sighting in Bacliff, a female. At Berry Springs Preserve in Georgetown, one female.
Now for some details of Rockport. I was staying at Lagoon’s RV Park, very near the huge Baptist Church. It was in the parking lot when I happened to meet aquatic biologist Wilson J Tarkington, who happened to live just across the street. Jay was starting to learn raptor identification. He did have a good understanding of Peregrine Falcons and Red- shouldered hawks.
At another point in time, I was hawking in and around Wall-Mart and I bumped into Jay as he was leaving the store, as he had been placing educational posters in the store. I asked him if he would care to do some hawking. We were now standing on the front side of the building on the long area of grass. The side of the building was bright white, with sunlight reflecting off the white, cement brick wall. A large raptor smashed into the very top of the wall as if to pin prey. We saw no feathers fly. The hawk pushed of the wall with its wings and legs, and did not appear to be injured, as it turned and flew in the direction it had come. The hawk was an NG and female and clearly showed red vermiculation on chest and belly.
Then we went to a small pond very near my RV park. There was a perched raptor that went down into the brambles. We waited out the hawk. About ten minutes later the hawk lifted and flew directly over the RV park, probably over my rig. At first I thought the hawk was Cooper’s. However five minutes later, I realized it was a female NG. We went to my rig to have a snack. As Jay was leaving to walk home, he pointed into the sky. There was a female NG at about one- hundred or more feet altitude. Then at 4 pm., over a recreational field near the RV park, was a female NG traveling through.
In Kemah, l observed male and female NG. There may be four female NG in Kemah. I did have a sighting of a female with a red chest.
Also, while in Tucson, I contacted, Michael Ingraldi, reasearch biologist, Ph.D. Michael told me he was at an NG nest in Heber, AZ. There he observed an NG with a red chest and belly. This hawk could not be trapped!
.
Here are most of my sightings. All sightings were of raptors in flight. At Costco in Tucson, on Grant, female. There were many sightings of male and female, and sightings were over a period of five years. Was it the same birds, no. How many actual red NG were there? I do not know. In Goodyear— one male.
In Anacortes,WA, many sightings of male, and female over a period of about five years.
In Texas— Rockport, winter 2002-03. Three or four sightings of female, one sighting on the Christmas bird count. One sighting in Bacliff, a female. At Berry Springs Preserve in Georgetown, one female.
Now for some details of Rockport. I was staying at Lagoon’s RV Park, very near the huge Baptist Church. It was in the parking lot when I happened to meet aquatic biologist Wilson J Tarkington, who happened to live just across the street. Jay was starting to learn raptor identification. He did have a good understanding of Peregrine Falcons and Red- shouldered hawks.
At another point in time, I was hawking in and around Wall-Mart and I bumped into Jay as he was leaving the store, as he had been placing educational posters in the store. I asked him if he would care to do some hawking. We were now standing on the front side of the building on the long area of grass. The side of the building was bright white, with sunlight reflecting off the white, cement brick wall. A large raptor smashed into the very top of the wall as if to pin prey. We saw no feathers fly. The hawk pushed of the wall with its wings and legs, and did not appear to be injured, as it turned and flew in the direction it had come. The hawk was an NG and female and clearly showed red vermiculation on chest and belly.
Then we went to a small pond very near my RV park. There was a perched raptor that went down into the brambles. We waited out the hawk. About ten minutes later the hawk lifted and flew directly over the RV park, probably over my rig. At first I thought the hawk was Cooper’s. However five minutes later, I realized it was a female NG. We went to my rig to have a snack. As Jay was leaving to walk home, he pointed into the sky. There was a female NG at about one- hundred or more feet altitude. Then at 4 pm., over a recreational field near the RV park, was a female NG traveling through.
In Kemah, l observed male and female NG. There may be four female NG in Kemah. I did have a sighting of a female with a red chest.
Also, while in Tucson, I contacted, Michael Ingraldi, reasearch biologist, Ph.D. Michael told me he was at an NG nest in Heber, AZ. There he observed an NG with a red chest and belly. This hawk could not be trapped!
.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Pit fall hi power optics
High power optics can cause strain on your mind and eye(s). And might lead to a head ache. Hi power optics will limit your field of view more so than let us say 8x binos. And certainly will limit your field of view compared to naked eye.
While on a hawkwatching site it is best to use naked eye often. One playful maneuver is to go naked eye— then quickly raise binos when spotting a raptor. Try to identify the hawk within three seconds. Whether you can identify the hawk or not, continue the exercise of raising and lowering the binos. This exercise will also help you to raise the optics rapidly. This exercise will help you to understand or appreciate the size of raptors. If you constantly observe a raptor with just a scope or binos, you will not appreciate the size of the hawk. The more powerful the optics the less you will understand the size of the raptor! Also, optics can compromise your ability to judge distances. Well, what does that matter. Well, it does not matter at all! It is just an exercise! Albeit, an interesting exercise.
In very few cases, you might have to determine the distance to the bird in order size the bird. But, in nearly every other case— in the East and on Puget Sound, every species is unique. In Puget Sound and the East can be found the most unique hawks— the NG; the Harrier; and the Osprey. The NG is very easy to identify— when in the sky— and more of this later. As I have said, the size of a raptor does not matter. The size of a raptor is an inherent part of the bird. A bird makes its own size. Size does not make the bird. But possibly size does make the bird. Better yet, both situations are correct.
Let me clarify—make— in this paragraph has two meanings. Size does not make the bird— means size does not nail or identify the species. What I am saying is there is no such thing as a large, Cooper’s hawk, or a monster Cooper’s hawk, or a really big Cooper’s hawk. Alright, maybe there are some large Cooper’s hawks. But what are the odds? One in one-thousand? I say a Cooper’s hawk is a Cooper’s hawk. Now if a birder only has experiences observing only male Cooper’s hawks, which to me is inconceivable, then the female Cooper’s hawk will become— a large Cooper’s hawk.
I will cover size does not matter, later.
The thought— Bernie Sanders; the carpenter who lost his level.
While on a hawkwatching site it is best to use naked eye often. One playful maneuver is to go naked eye— then quickly raise binos when spotting a raptor. Try to identify the hawk within three seconds. Whether you can identify the hawk or not, continue the exercise of raising and lowering the binos. This exercise will also help you to raise the optics rapidly. This exercise will help you to understand or appreciate the size of raptors. If you constantly observe a raptor with just a scope or binos, you will not appreciate the size of the hawk. The more powerful the optics the less you will understand the size of the raptor! Also, optics can compromise your ability to judge distances. Well, what does that matter. Well, it does not matter at all! It is just an exercise! Albeit, an interesting exercise.
In very few cases, you might have to determine the distance to the bird in order size the bird. But, in nearly every other case— in the East and on Puget Sound, every species is unique. In Puget Sound and the East can be found the most unique hawks— the NG; the Harrier; and the Osprey. The NG is very easy to identify— when in the sky— and more of this later. As I have said, the size of a raptor does not matter. The size of a raptor is an inherent part of the bird. A bird makes its own size. Size does not make the bird. But possibly size does make the bird. Better yet, both situations are correct.
Let me clarify—make— in this paragraph has two meanings. Size does not make the bird— means size does not nail or identify the species. What I am saying is there is no such thing as a large, Cooper’s hawk, or a monster Cooper’s hawk, or a really big Cooper’s hawk. Alright, maybe there are some large Cooper’s hawks. But what are the odds? One in one-thousand? I say a Cooper’s hawk is a Cooper’s hawk. Now if a birder only has experiences observing only male Cooper’s hawks, which to me is inconceivable, then the female Cooper’s hawk will become— a large Cooper’s hawk.
I will cover size does not matter, later.
The thought— Bernie Sanders; the carpenter who lost his level.
Monday, April 16, 2018
E- bird OJ Airline
Well, what do ya’ll think of e-bird and Cornell Labs now, now that they are trying to expunge information from your observation goals, of observing specific species of birds? So e-bird is going to squelch information of Gyr Falcons, Condors, and Eurasian Kestrels.
I will certainly post of my sightings of remarkable birds and birds such as Gyr Falcons. However, I will not post of possible nesting situations or actual nests.
Sometimes I wish to call the people at e-bird— The boys and girls at e-bird, and sometimes use the term— The boys and girls at Cornell Labs.
What is e-bird trying to prove? That they have higher values than do you? That they are the leaders of what is right and wrong?
Do you remember that airline that went beyond the implications of the functions of what is an airline, when they interjected and stuck their nose into the debate (there is no debate! And probably never will be!) on the proliferation and manufacting of guns and rifles? I say that airline stuck its neck out, and for what? The downside of their outcry would significantly outshine the benefits of their action.
What in the world would be the benefits of their action, more business, more travelers, more freight deliveries? How would that airline induce more people to travel— when the subject is about guns and murders by guns? What does that have to do with the operation of an airline? Oh, I get it now. If one airline outshines another airline, by showing more sympathy toward youngsters who were gunned down....
On the OJ trial— remember the glove? If the glove fit OJ what does that mean— signify?
What if the glove does not fit— that is not the converse of the glove fitting— the hand. In either case the glove is not significant! But if the glove does not fit! It certainly has a psychological impact. It shouldn’t but it certainly did. So the prosecution did not put weight on the two glove fitting outcomes.
The prosecution screwed up— as did the airline— as did e-bird and Cornell Labs!
I will certainly post of my sightings of remarkable birds and birds such as Gyr Falcons. However, I will not post of possible nesting situations or actual nests.
Sometimes I wish to call the people at e-bird— The boys and girls at e-bird, and sometimes use the term— The boys and girls at Cornell Labs.
What is e-bird trying to prove? That they have higher values than do you? That they are the leaders of what is right and wrong?
Do you remember that airline that went beyond the implications of the functions of what is an airline, when they interjected and stuck their nose into the debate (there is no debate! And probably never will be!) on the proliferation and manufacting of guns and rifles? I say that airline stuck its neck out, and for what? The downside of their outcry would significantly outshine the benefits of their action.
What in the world would be the benefits of their action, more business, more travelers, more freight deliveries? How would that airline induce more people to travel— when the subject is about guns and murders by guns? What does that have to do with the operation of an airline? Oh, I get it now. If one airline outshines another airline, by showing more sympathy toward youngsters who were gunned down....
On the OJ trial— remember the glove? If the glove fit OJ what does that mean— signify?
What if the glove does not fit— that is not the converse of the glove fitting— the hand. In either case the glove is not significant! But if the glove does not fit! It certainly has a psychological impact. It shouldn’t but it certainly did. So the prosecution did not put weight on the two glove fitting outcomes.
The prosecution screwed up— as did the airline— as did e-bird and Cornell Labs!
Saturday, April 14, 2018
About hawking
Observing perched raptors is not hawkwatching. My definition of observing perched raptors is — birding for hawks. Well, birding for hawks is a small part of hawkwatching, about ten percent. These are two different disciplines.
Hawkwatching
I do not care to observe perched raptors. A perched raptor is a dead animal, a stuffed animal.
I want to see a raptor in the sky, showing all its glory.
A perched raptor is, “Faded Glory.”
I want to see a raptor in the sky, showing all its glory.
A perched raptor is, “Faded Glory.”
Friday, April 13, 2018
on photographs
This blog will contain only a few photos— and they will only be mine. I will not analyze my photos for you. If I observe your photos, I will not analyze your photos for you, but I will try and name the species. And that can be difficult, even with two photos of the same hawk. In fact two photos can be more difficult than just one photo. This idea is similar to getting to close to a bird, meaning the closer you get beyond reason, the more information you can receive, and that can lead to confusion.
I am not a photographer. I don’t have an expensive camera— never will. I will not photograph a Cooper’s hawk, Merlin, or Peregrine— unless the hawk is remarkable. If a goshawk is far away I will not even raise my camera. I am set in my ways. I can be a crusty ol’ man. This is why I don’t go on field trips. I have changed my way of operating— I don’t carry binos, but they are always near me if I am in the car. I am interested in verification photographs.
Poor photographs can contain valuable information. You should never think of your photos as being of poor quality. I urge you— do not trash your old photographs— even blurred photographs. Also, it is possible that your photographs have not been properly analyzed— another reason not to destroy your photographs. Many field- trip leaders and advanced birders do not understand how to identify raptors in flight. Therefore, thinking along these same lines, they may produce incorrect information. The takeaway—
save those photographs. Also, flashing your photos over the internet, and gaining an opinion is not a good way to understand how to identify raptors.
There is a correct and proper way to photograph raptors, especially raptors in flight. And that is a somewhat confusing endeavor, one that may be difficult to grasp. Actually, it does not involve picture taking. However, that is another subject.
I am not a photographer. I don’t have an expensive camera— never will. I will not photograph a Cooper’s hawk, Merlin, or Peregrine— unless the hawk is remarkable. If a goshawk is far away I will not even raise my camera. I am set in my ways. I can be a crusty ol’ man. This is why I don’t go on field trips. I have changed my way of operating— I don’t carry binos, but they are always near me if I am in the car. I am interested in verification photographs.
Poor photographs can contain valuable information. You should never think of your photos as being of poor quality. I urge you— do not trash your old photographs— even blurred photographs. Also, it is possible that your photographs have not been properly analyzed— another reason not to destroy your photographs. Many field- trip leaders and advanced birders do not understand how to identify raptors in flight. Therefore, thinking along these same lines, they may produce incorrect information. The takeaway—
save those photographs. Also, flashing your photos over the internet, and gaining an opinion is not a good way to understand how to identify raptors.
There is a correct and proper way to photograph raptors, especially raptors in flight. And that is a somewhat confusing endeavor, one that may be difficult to grasp. Actually, it does not involve picture taking. However, that is another subject.
Pet peeve
Pet peeve— when on a field trip, the advanced birder or field- trip leader will state with a pulled face— “ What is that bird doing here?”
Now I know that birds have an internal tracking system and that that system can go kaput. But even so, a bird can follow the flock or follow its companion.
Also, the wind can grab an object and carry it away— to wherever the wind wishes.This is the nature of the wind.
So, whenever a birder asks, “ What is that bird doing here?”— you can answer, “Go ask the wind!”
Now I know that birds have an internal tracking system and that that system can go kaput. But even so, a bird can follow the flock or follow its companion.
Also, the wind can grab an object and carry it away— to wherever the wind wishes.This is the nature of the wind.
So, whenever a birder asks, “ What is that bird doing here?”— you can answer, “Go ask the wind!”
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Goshawks of Texas
The thought— Where are the goshawks of east Texas coming from?
I say they are probably coming from the Ozark Mountains. Now I know the Audubon Society states that goshawks are a rare species in the Ozarks, and only in winter, and where have I heard that before! I know that the Audubon Society cannot be trusted to bring forth proper information on NG.
It is possible that NG are arriving in Texas from northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, or even northern Georgia. Which brings to mind— do goshawks do an east to west migration? Which teases the question— do NG migrate northward, out of Mexico! Are all of the three areas contributing to the population of NG in Rockport, Tyler, Kemah (Houston), Georgetown, and Livingston?
I say they are probably coming from the Ozark Mountains. Now I know the Audubon Society states that goshawks are a rare species in the Ozarks, and only in winter, and where have I heard that before! I know that the Audubon Society cannot be trusted to bring forth proper information on NG.
It is possible that NG are arriving in Texas from northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, or even northern Georgia. Which brings to mind— do goshawks do an east to west migration? Which teases the question— do NG migrate northward, out of Mexico! Are all of the three areas contributing to the population of NG in Rockport, Tyler, Kemah (Houston), Georgetown, and Livingston?
Monday, April 9, 2018
Owl shooter
I heard a story and I went to investigate. There was a guy on the outskirts of town that shoots owls. I approached him with— Do you shoot owls? He said— yep. From me— Well, have you ever tasted an owl? He said— Yes. Well, what did it taste like. And he said, “Kinda like between an eagle and a sea gull.”
seagull Steve
Seagull Steve (ST) is one of my detractors. I understand ST. I know his logic. His logic is good. His logic is correct. His logic is proper. I am sure that many birders find his logic befitting.
ST’s logic is a sub-set of my logic.
There are different types of logic. My logic is more expressive, more expansive.
Here is an example of my logic. And it fits right in with my Rule number 1 and On Gary Bletsch.
I will never put a limit on the number of goshawk (sightings) a person is allowed to garner. As he continues his fine field-work, Gary’s work will contribute to my contentions.
The thought — I like to use the C-word.
ST’s logic is a sub-set of my logic.
There are different types of logic. My logic is more expressive, more expansive.
Here is an example of my logic. And it fits right in with my Rule number 1 and On Gary Bletsch.
I will never put a limit on the number of goshawk (sightings) a person is allowed to garner. As he continues his fine field-work, Gary’s work will contribute to my contentions.
The thought — I like to use the C-word.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Doves CNN Fox News
l think I have been watching too much Fox News and CNN. I was relaxing in my living room when the Eurasian Collared Doves started sounding... Trump ooohh Trump ooohhh, Trump ooohhh Trump ooohhh. I had to leave the house just to get away from it all. So I walked away down the street to about a half- mile away.
Then it happened again! There was another bunch of Collared Doves. They were sounding off as— ooohhh Trump ooohhh, ooohhhh Trump oooohhh! That was the day I stopped watching Fox News and CNN.
The thought — Will Don Freiday chuckle?
Then it happened again! There was another bunch of Collared Doves. They were sounding off as— ooohhh Trump ooohhh, ooohhhh Trump oooohhh! That was the day I stopped watching Fox News and CNN.
The thought — Will Don Freiday chuckle?
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Dead raptors
All of these sightings were in Anacortes except for the owl at Deception Pass. A smashed Red-tail hawk on the highway between Anacortes and Burlington. Sometimes I stop for smashed raptors. At a big gravel parking lot at Sky Line Marina, an old smashed skin of a mature Cooper’s hawk. At Saint Mary’s Church, an immature female Cooper’s hawk. At Fidalgo RV Resort, I was living there at the time, an injured, mature, female Red-tailed hawk was captured. This hawk was shot and was taken to a vet. The bird had to be put down. At Pioneer Trails RV Park, l was in the office chatting and sipping coffee when I heard a story. When I left, I went to investigate. I found the maintenance man and asked to see the carcass. The man dug through the trash and placed the hawk on the ground, chest up. It was a Peregrine Falcon and mature. This hawk broke its neck while stooping into a telephone wire. I have heard that Peregrines can stoop into ground and break their wing. About that hawk at the church. That hawk was leg-banded. l called in that number. And lastly, at Dececption Pass on a trail. Just a step or two off the trail is a boggy area. Just over head at about ten feet was a Barred Owl. One day, again I wished to see the owl. At my feet was the smashed wing of the owl.
Remarkable Northern Harrier
In San Diego, near Mission Bay— a black Harrier. The hawk was flying low over the water and flapping. The dorsal area was black, as black as a crow. There was a white rump patch. The ventral areas were dark orange, dark brown, and a scattering of black. There were no areas of pastel coloring or light-coloring.
A little of Cooper’s
Cooper’s hawks do not have to show: A flat head
An angular head
Hackles
Tawney cheeks
An eye which is placed forward in the head.
In San Diego on Sante Fe Street I observed a perched, mature Cooper’s, at close range, at eye level. This hawk had an all black head. This was a stunning observation. Just imagine a Spotted Towhee with a head three- times its normal size.
An angular head
Hackles
Tawney cheeks
An eye which is placed forward in the head.
In San Diego on Sante Fe Street I observed a perched, mature Cooper’s, at close range, at eye level. This hawk had an all black head. This was a stunning observation. Just imagine a Spotted Towhee with a head three- times its normal size.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
About Fred
We were invited to an Audubon field trip at the New Jersey shore. While standing at the water’s edge, we met field trip leader Fred. I have never seen him before or even heard of him.
On the ocean’s horizon were a file of birds skimming the ocean. Fred called “Gannets.” Someone in the group said “Why are you calling them Gannets.” Fred replied, “Because they look like Gannets.”
Some of us looked up and rolled our eyes. Some of us looked down at our feet. And then we trudged to another location. Yet I am sure that after one year all of us understood the meaning of what Fred said. And it does not just pertain to birding but to many of the things we observe and understand. So, what is the takeaway?
Remember what Fred said.
On the ocean’s horizon were a file of birds skimming the ocean. Fred called “Gannets.” Someone in the group said “Why are you calling them Gannets.” Fred replied, “Because they look like Gannets.”
Some of us looked up and rolled our eyes. Some of us looked down at our feet. And then we trudged to another location. Yet I am sure that after one year all of us understood the meaning of what Fred said. And it does not just pertain to birding but to many of the things we observe and understand. So, what is the takeaway?
Remember what Fred said.
Number 1 rule
I will never say that you misidentified a bird— unless I am there with you in the field— and we are both onto the same bird. I could be looking deep into the the sky, as with you, but we are observing only a few degrees apart. I must determine if we are on the same bird!
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
On Gary Bletsch
Gary Bletsch is a Skagit County field trip leader and an international birder.
I wish to thank Gary for his post years ago suggesting: There are some birders who have many field notes on their experiences, strategies, and tally sheets. These birders should consider putting their journals into publication. That is the gist of what he posted.
Now, recently Gary has observed goshawk in flight at Concrete airport. That in addition to other sightings of NG in Concrete. I have just one comment— No photo no believe— on your 10 minute observation of this NG.
GARY— I’m just kidding.
Which brings to mind my profound statement of years ago: NG can be an elusive species— but not in the sky. NG have a strong affinity for the sky, but not during June, July, and the first half of August.
I was with Gary on a field trip to Port Susan Preserve. I had a brief look at a Clay-colored Sparrow. I called out a NG to Gary. The hawk was female and was in the sky going to ground or into brush at a distance of 400-600 yards. That was about 10 years ago.
I wish to thank Gary for his post years ago suggesting: There are some birders who have many field notes on their experiences, strategies, and tally sheets. These birders should consider putting their journals into publication. That is the gist of what he posted.
Now, recently Gary has observed goshawk in flight at Concrete airport. That in addition to other sightings of NG in Concrete. I have just one comment— No photo no believe— on your 10 minute observation of this NG.
GARY— I’m just kidding.
Which brings to mind my profound statement of years ago: NG can be an elusive species— but not in the sky. NG have a strong affinity for the sky, but not during June, July, and the first half of August.
I was with Gary on a field trip to Port Susan Preserve. I had a brief look at a Clay-colored Sparrow. I called out a NG to Gary. The hawk was female and was in the sky going to ground or into brush at a distance of 400-600 yards. That was about 10 years ago.
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Hawks not in migration
This blog is about raptors in flight yet not in migration. It is about raptors on their home base, where they breed and are hatched, and where they migrate even if it is only for ten miles. Please understand, I have never observed a goshawk (NG) nest and I have never observed a NG take prey but I have observed NG carrying prey, more on that later. Yet, I do believe that no person knows more of NG migration, habitat, and distribution that what I know. The raptors I am familiar with are from the East and from Puget Sound. I will concentrate mainly on accipiters, yet little on Sharp- shinned Hawks, as I do know the sharpie as they are in migration, but not how they behave in their home base. Generally a raptor will have two home bases, as I have stated. Next I will talk more about me.
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