My father asked me to post his report shown below.
Elisa Flanders
Portsmouth, VA
Yesterday afternoon, 29 January, we missed the Roughleg seen west of Rectortown
on Rectortown Road.
But, perhaps a mile west, to the south in a tree atop a hill with cattle near
2518 Rectortown Road, a Bald Eagle was perched in the frozen rain at 4:30 PM.
Immediately west of the town limits, just west of 2911 Rectortown Road, on the
north side of the road, a Short-eared Owl appeared at 5:13 PM, disappeared
behind a hill there, and perhaps 10 minutes later left to the south being
pursued and harassed by a "female" harrier. Through the scope, the owl had a
vole in its claws, and left, loudly complaining (kee-you), flying at least a
half mile, and probably miles, while being pursued. I was surprised the owl
caught the vole so quickly.
As one looks northwest, there is a line of brush in a low spot, and then a line
of trees. Before the owl showed up, some 6-9 deer were already grazing beyond
the trees. One Red-shoulder was perched in the brush and two harriers seemed
interested to roost in the brush, but they soon left.
In all, Mary and I saw 1-2 male harriers, and 3-6 female plumage, 4-8 in all,
scattered along the road. Also one Red-tail.
We drove perhaps 1.5 miles west of Rectortown looking for the Roughleg, before
returning to wait for any owls.
The herbaceous vegetation is surprisingly sparse and short, except for low
spots where presumably the farmers cannot drive to hay. Manassas Battlefield
looked better (more grass), but had no raptors evident earlier in the PM.
Best wishes,
Frank Enders, Halifax, NC
