BJ and I found a number of good birds in Highland County this week. Roads were
snow-packed but passable. Light snow was falling all
afternoon Wed., but Thursday was merely cloudy with a few flurries, making the
birding quite productive. The major miss was Evening
Grosbeak, although we checked McDowell & Monterey feeders a number of times.
Highlights:
Bald Eagle - 1 (first year)
Harrier - 2
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 11
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK - 5 light phase + 3 dark phase
GOLDEN EAGLE - 2 immature (that's all folks - we had hoped for more)
Kestrel - 11
Ruffed Grouse - 2 (strutting in the middle of a back road, totally ignoring us)
Screech Owl - 1 (roosting in a roadside tree)
SHORT-EARED OWL - 2 (NW of Bluegrass)
Horned Lark - 20+30
Black-capped Chickadee - 10+
Pipit - 2 (with one of the Horned Lark flocks)
Purple Finch - 12+
Pine Siskin - 2
As expected, the Bluegrass Valley was the most productive, although a number of
birds were found in other areas. I'll be glad to
supply specific directions if anyone wants.
All-in-all, a great couple of days!
Jon Little
Winchester
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