This afternoon, having been told that the Snowy Owl was still being seen at the old Warren Sod Farm(I have NO idea in the world what it is now called) off Lower Road in the black dirt area of Orange County, I took a quick trip out there to enjoy the bird again and also to wallow in the ability to have seen Snowy Owls on nine days during this winter season and 7 times in Orange County!
While enjoying the Owl with Carol Linguanti, her husband and his Aunt as well as Lee Hunter & Debbie Powell we all witnessed three HUGE flights of mixed Icterids all headed in a direct northerly direction. The totals I would estimate at 4-5000 birds. It seemed extremely early and not so wise a choice considering the upcoming forecasts. Have others been seeing this? It is way too early according to my records but it was happening.
After leaving the owl, who then was atop the silver silo right on the edge of Lower Road, Co. Rte 12, I went east to look for the Canada Geese that were pouring in chevrons in that direction and I caught up to them on Onion Road. Scanning I found no other types of Geese but I DID find a beautiful PEREGRINE FALCON, large enough that it was almost without question of female and it was feeding on a recent kill.
It sure is winter but it is far from boring!
GOOD BIRDING,
Ken McDermott
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