In preparation for the Raptor Identification Class next week, 4 UMBA members went out on Saturday to scout for raptors in VERY windy conditions. Despite the wind, we spotted 72 raptors! Big highlights were spotting 31 Long-billed Curlews and 9 American Kestrels. Based on Saturday’s trip, those of you who are taking the Raptor ID class with Steve Hoffman should have a varied and interesting class and field trip!
Below is the list of birds:
Great Horned Owl – 2 (both on nests)
American Kestrel – 9
Red-tailed Hawk – 25
Turkey Vulture – 3
Golden Eagle – 3
Northern Harrier – 12
Bald Eagle – 11
Osprey – 1
Ferruginous Hawk – 1
Falcon sp. -1
Accipter sp. – 1
Raptor unk. – 5
American Robin – 13
Mourning Dove – 1
Black-billed Magpie – 20 +
Nuthatch – 1 (heard)
European Starling – 1350+
Northern Flicker – 2
Black-capped Chickadee – 1+ (heard)
Western Meadowlark – 20+
Eurasian Collared Dove – 1
American Crow – 2
Ring-necked Pheasant – 7
Canada Geese – 82
Northern Shoveler – 4
Common Merganser – 9
Rock Pigeon – 7
Mallard Duck – 15 +
Gadwall – 2
Northern Pintail – 1
Common Goldeneye – 1
Red-winged Blackbird – 1 +
Turkey – 22
Long-billed Curlew – 31 !
Tree Swallow – 1
American White Pelican – 20
Common Raven – 1 +
Horned Lark – 20 +
Sandhill Crane – 4
Including the unknowns – 72 raptors. Partly cloudy, 32-52 degrees, WINDY (official airport weather station had gusts over 45 mph most of the day).