Four members of the Hudson River Audubon Society tackled the snow covered trails of Thompson Pond Preserve in northern Dutchess County to find a variety of raptors. The trail heading south had a narrow path packed down by previous visitors and was doable. Birds along the way included Common Ravens, Golden-crowned Kinglets in the Hemlock grove, and an unexpected Northern Flicker. We reached the large field at the base of Stissing Mt and scanned. Our first sighting was a coyote crossing the far end of the field. We then found two Golden Eagles circling in the sky to the far left of the field. Scopes were essential since most of the birds we found were fairly far away. A Merlin was spotted in a far lone tree which quickly took off to dive on something flying over the field and was joined by a second Merlin which then chased the first Merlin. One of the Merlins remained in the area perched in the far trees and at times buzzed crows and other birds in the area. Other birds included, a light phase Rough-legged Hawk, a Northern Harrier which was driven to the ground by the Merlin and a Short-eared Owl. Before we left a Golden Eagle cruised across the far end of the field and then traveled towards us along the mountain ridge to the right. When it was closer two Common Ravens chased it over the ridge out of sight. If you go give yourself 20 minutes or more for the trail each way and bring your scopes. Eastern Bluebirds were also found along Route 82 south of Pine Plains.
-- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
