[obol] Bend-Alfalfa Raptor Survey

[Kim Boddie]

Today I drove 73.5 miles on the Bend Alfalfa Raptor Survey in just under 5 hours under p. cloudy skies, winds calm- 10 mph and temps ranging from 42 - 54 degrees F.  This month about 75% of the hawks were soaring where in previous months about 75% are perching or on the ground.  The highlight was watching the 3 Ferruginous Hawks performing courtship flights.  One sat on the ground ( I presume the larger female) while the other 2 smaller birds (males I presume) spent several minutes doing acrobatic flights over the one on the ground.  They sure are pretty with their white tails and top wing patches.

Raptors seen:
Red-tailed Hawks             54
Am. Kestrels                      12
N. Harrier                             4
Bald eagle                           1A
Golden Eagle                      1
Ferruginous Hawk              3
Sharp-shinned Hawk          2
Coopers Hawk                    1

Total                                    78
Also seen 1 N. Shrike , lotsa Am. Robins & VG and tree swallows everywhere.

Kim Boddie
Bend
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