We are off and rolling with some fairly interesting early numbers. Volume is about average so far for raptors with Turkey Vultures dominating as usual. I'll just give you the highlights so far and start posting daily counts next week as things, we hope, begin to pick up...
Merlin-- singles on 1st and 4th. Peregrine Falcon-- single on 3rd RED-SHOULDERED HAWK-- single on 4th ( a nice early pick-up for us) . I am assuming that this bird was an immature until [and if] I hear otherwise from Ryan. First of Season Migrant Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, and Sharp-shinned Hawks (3) on the 4th. Non-raptors-- Better push of Red-headed Woodpeckers this season (their migration is peaking currently) with 500 counted on the 1st and another 240 on the 5th. Also on the 5th, 480 American White Pelicans and 15 Great Blue Herons. The cold front coming through here tonight should bring some vultures and Ospreys ahead of it and a mix of raptors behind it through the weekend. Mark O --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: [email protected]
