Archives,
2007

January 6, 2007 [LINK / comment]

New raptors in Highland County

Encouraged by forecasts of clear, balmy weather for today, I joined the friendly folks of the Augusta Bird Club for a field trip to Highland County this morning, led by John Spahr. I was rewarded for my efforts with two life birds, bringing my total up to 366! On the West Virginia line near the town of Blue Grass we saw three juvenile Golden eagles swooping around a mountain slope a half mile away. I was surprised to learn that the juveniles have prominent white patches under each wing and in their tails. A few miles to the west, we saw an adult of that same species. Because of strong, brisk winds (contrary to the forecasts!), it was hard to hold our binoculars steady, so it was hard to keep the eagles in sight. South of the hamlet of Hightown (near the very source of the South Branch of the Potomac River!), later on, we saw a dark phase Rough-legged hawk. Then we had a nice hot lunch in the picturesque town of Monterey, and some of us headed home from there. Time well spent, in good company! The relative absence of sparrows and other small songbirds was a bit surprising. Today's highlights:

• Ravens
• Bald eagles -- 3+
• Red-tailed hawks
• Kestrels
• Kingfishers
• Golden eagles -- 3 juv., 1 adult (LIFE BIRD!)
• Rough-legged hawk (LIFE BIRD!)
• Goldfinches (some turning yellow)
• Black-capped chickadees

Bird conservation

I have seen Bald eagles more and more frequently in recent years, so it was not surprising that they will soon be taken off the list of endangered species. What an inspiring comeback for our National Symbol! See Washington Post.

Another bit of good bird conservation news from across the Atlantic: the stork population has rebounded, thanks to efforts by Germany and other countries to reclaim river bottomlands, where storks nest. I was surprised to learn that storks breed in Spain and most of Central and Eastern Europe, whereas in the United States they are seldom found outside of Florida or southern Georgia. See the Post.

January 15, 2007 [LINK / comment]

Mountain-top hawks & ravens

On Saturday I ventured into new territory in the western part of Augusta County. First I did a little bit of hiking on the eastern slope of Elliott Knob, and then did the quick boardwalk loop at Augusta Springs, but not much was happening at either place. Then I headed south and climbed along a gravel road to the top of Little North Mountain, passing through Troxel Gap. It was higher than I expected and provided some great views. At the very top near some communications relay towers I came across a very loud group of Ravens that were feeding on a carcass, as well as a Red-tailed hawk. The drive home was very interesting, as I passed through the towns of McKinley and Middlebrook, and saw many picturesque farms. (Later that day, the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Indianapolis Colts, which was fine with me.) Here are the highlights:

• Kestrels
• Downy woodpecker
• Golden-crowned kinglet
• Sharp-shinned hawk
• Ravens
• Red-tailed hawk
• Bluebirds

Speaking of hawks, I saw a Sharp-shinned hawk behind the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad this morning, and it's probably the same one that has been menacing birds in our back yard for the past couple days.

Parrots in Brooklyn!?

Yes, it's true. I have read reports about this amazing case of avian adaptability, and learned (via The Neighborhood of God *) that there is a Web site dedicated to them: brooklynparrots.com.

* UPDATE: I was curious about the origin of that blog's name, and (after Googling) I found the poem "Friend In The Desolate Time" by Erik Johan Stagnelius at poemhunter.com. It concludes:

Therefore, rejoice, oh friend, and sing in the darkness of sorrow:
Night is the mother of day, Chaos the neighbor of God.