Eagles on the Hudson

Today I joined Urbanhawks and Novahunter for a jaunt to Westchester County for the 5th Annual EagleFest. Oh and what a festival of Eagles it was! Our count--which spanned Croton Point Park, George Island, The Paddle Courts and parts of Bear Mountain--was between 60 and 80 eagles. We also spotted 5 redtailed hawks, 1 northern harrier and 3 black vultures. Here's some pix of the highlights!











Possible raven!

Croton Point Park

With the Northern wind I've been expecting an Eagle or two to make their way over the City. So far no luck, so instead I ventured up to their stronghold at Croton Point Park. Here's what I found.
From the 125th St. MetroNorth, I spied this kestrel pair.

Upon arrival, it was clear this was Redtail country!

This adult has light eyes like Norman.

And was no less vigorous in defending it!

Bey found the pair perched together.

We saw this adult Bald Eagle making its rounds.


Also seen were this adult Cooper's,

this juvy Sharpie,

this group of Waxwings,

and this raft of Ruddies.

Croton Point Park

After reading reports of ealges and harriers at Croton Point Park, I decided to make the journey north to investigate these sightings. Before I got on the train at Marble Hill, I went to visit the Peregrines on Broadway Bridge. I found them sunning themselves and preening.
The male...


the female.

While the male preened,

the female spotted something and was off.



Then the male was off too.

Pssst...is he still out there?

Yup!

At Croton Point Park,

I immediately spotted two juvy Bald Eagles in some trees. The flew off before I could get close. But then this guy crested over a hill!

He swooped and dove into the long grass!



This norther harrier is a lifer and an amazing bird. I spent at least an hour watching this one effortlessly ride over the hills on the stiff breeze.
Looping around the large hill, I spotted some more eagles out on the ice. This one caught a huge fish!


All in all, I saw about a dozen eagles...about half Adults, half juveniles.


Coming around to the main grassland area, I spotted this guy!

The White Ghost!

Finally, I got a really great look at this juvy!

Looks like he's been banded.

Also saw this lifer...a common Merganser.