Ferruginous Hawk, Lesser Black-backed, and Snowy Egret HURON CO.

[Monica Essenmacher]

Thursday 17 Apr 08

Today was the third day in a row that I sat at Port Crescent State Park
counting hawks.
Today at 1:03p, I had a Ferruginous Hawk pass by at a comfortable viewing
distance. This bird was flying in the company of vultures and eagles and was
obviously keeping up with the big boys-- definitely "one of the boys".  It
was big, light, and steady as a rock in the brisk  WSW wind. "Three points
of light" were noted , and as the hawk approached, other field marks
confirmed the identification.  This sighting marks the thrid time I have had
the pleasure of viewing a Ferruginous at Port Crescent State Park.  The
first was umpteen years ago, accepted by MBRC.  The other was several years
back when I was "on hiatus" from birding.  This third bird is certainly a
nice "welcome back to birding" present-- a full report will be submitted to
the Committee promptly.

To round out the excitement at the Tip-of-the-Thumb:  Tues 15 April saw 6
Golden Eagles ( a new count record) and a Swainson's (Myles Willard). Myles
also had 2 Lesser Black-backed at the mouth of the river.  At least one
remained through today (TH).

To finish the day in HuCo, I found over a thousand Bonaparte's gulls who,
along with mergansers, were corralling and feasting upon a large school of
bait fish.  Joining the party was a lone Snowy Egret.

A red letter day!
Respectfully--
Monica Essenmacher
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