This is very interesting, because this morning we had an adult Bald
Eagle fly over our house in Oakton (central Fairfax County). We have
never seen one here (before today), in 13 years.
The reaction by our yard birds was impressive. The Eagle was circling
high up, not directly over our yard. But either because of it, or
some other threat, most of them disappeared very quickly, and the two
remainees - a Chickadee and a Junco - remained perched, very very
still, for at least 2 minutes. (Quite uncharacteristic behavior for
both.)
Why would Eagles be more prominent around our houses, after a heavy
snowfall? Or was this just a coincidence?
- Steve Johnson
Fairfax, VA
On Dec 20, 2009, at 10:31 AM, jacob barkett wrote:
To all,
I was out and about in the snow in my front yard and my back. Kept my binoculars inside. I observed a Bald Eagle fly by and again later. Crows were fairly abundant flying to and from the trees. I saw Canada Geese flying in small groups heading different ways. I haven't seen geese here in a while. Gulls were soaring above at different elevations. There was Laughing, Herring?, and Ring- billed? I went out to my back and spotted Song Sparrows? at my feeder. I have seen White-throated the past few days. There were a few Juncos, Titmice, and Chickadees at the feeder. Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were present as well as three to four Bluebirds. I went into the woods, saw more geese and gulls flying above. I heard a Pileated and a Red-shouldered Hawk. I don't recall hearing Wrens.
Jacob Barkett,
Woodbridge, VA
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