Harlem Fall Raptors

There were tons of raptors on the move today. It was hard to id many of the juveniles positively due to their distance, but I saw at least 4 juvenile RTHs, 2 adult RTHs, 3 juvenile RSHs, 12 or so BWHs, 12 TVs, the two resident peregrines, and two AMKEs including this juvenile female. A shot of one of the roofs reveals a smorgasboard of the peregrines prey. In this pic I count YBC, AR, YSF, ES, RP and Blue Jay. I also found a junco and HOSP. The surprise was the sheer number of YSF I found, even more numerous than the pigeon carcasses.

Harlem Piers: Bald Eagles and Northern Gannets

Some interesting birds have been around lately. Not sure if its Sandy related, but today along the Hudson River at Harlem Piers I got to see 3 Bald Eagles and about a dozen Northern Gannets. First this juvenile BE flew over. Followed by one adult and its mate! They continued south for some time and I even watched the two adults engage in courting behavior somewhere over Riverside Park in the 80's. From there, I turned my attention to the River, where groups of Northern Gannets were fishing up and down the Jersey side. I think I saw over a dozen in total. Here in this shot I count 8. It was impossible to get close looks, but it was hypnotic watching them coast around and then dive headlong into the River. I wonder what they are catching?

Harlem Golden Eagle

For two consecutive years Ive seen a juvenile Golden Eagle fly past my roof in Harlem. In addition to that, the birds flew by on exactly the same date, one year apart. From my pictures that day last year, it is entirely possible this is the same bird. I guess if I am correct, then next year I should see the bird on the same day, but this time without the white patches on its wings.

Storm Birds

A juvy RTH hunting on Columbia Campus. Mr. Mocker buzzed by. The bros seeking shelter. The crows seeking food. Im always amazed how gulls can fly so effortlessly in the gale. Hope everyone is ok.

Fall Raptors