Red-throated Loon
The surprise of the day was a Red-throated Loon on the reservoir this afternoon. About two thirds of the reservoir is still covered with ice, so the Loon was closer to the shoreline than normal making for great looks.
Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Two Adult Red-Tailed Hawks
I started my raptor watching in the North Woods and then worked my way around the reservoir. My first raptor was a Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk at the Wildflower meadow, who then flew around the Compost Heap. Then it was off to the reservoir, where a Peregrine Falcon has been seen for the last few days near the North Gate House. Then after looking at the nice selection of waterfowl using the open areas of reservoir, I ran into two adult hawks at the South Gate House. By then it was too dark to I.D. the hawks, but it looked like one of them was an intruder and the other was either Pale Male or Octavia.
Pale Male and Juvenile Hawk
Both Pale Male and Octavia are doing just fine in the cold. Both have been spotted numerous times over the long weekend. I got a few pictures of Pale Male on Saturday. Today, the hawk of my visit was a young hawk in the area of the Ramble called The Oven. This bird didn’t get any not respect from numerous Squirrels and Blue Jays.
Burrowing Owl in Miami
I’m on vacation in Miami and couldn’t help look out for owls while I was here. I was able to see a few Burrowing Owls at a Miami Executive Airport.
Snowy Owl
This winter Snowy Owls have been spotted along the sea coast of New York City and Long Island this winter. I love watching them from a distance. If you are interested in seeing a Snowy Owl, read up on the special care needed to watch these great birds before you go out to see one.
I was worried about this owl getting disturbed by people, but it and two other owls nearby managed to get spooked by a large four engine jet coming in low to land at JFK.
Pale Male and Octavia
Pale Male and Octavia spent the late afternoon around Cedar Hill and the playground at 77th Street and Fifth Avenue. Pale Male was hunting halfheartedly and Octavia was keeping an eye on Pale Male. Both chased a Sharp-shinned Hawk at dusk. It was nice to get good looks at both of them, especially the shy Octavia.
