[bcbirdclub] Merlin and Harrier on Russell County CBC
- From: "Roger Mayhorn" <rmayhorn@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "BCBC Listserve" <bcbirdclub@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:03:52 -0500
Hi Everyone,
This past Saturday, Dec 26th, Don Carrier, my wife Lynda, and I helped with the
Russell County (Blackford) CBC as we do each year. David Raines is normally
with us but couldn't make it this year. Our section of the count circle took in
mostly from Richlands to Lebanon along Swords Creek west to Rte 80, then along
Rte 640 to an area near Lebanon. It turned out to be a very slow birding day,
in fact the slowest one we have ever had since we have been helping with the
count in the last six years. In our section we found only 37 species as opposed
to our normal mid-forties number. Not only was the number of species down, but
the numbers of birds were down also. We would somtimes go for a couple of miles
without seeing a single bird. The highlight of the day was a Merlin perched
near the highway that we got good looks at and photos. We were also surprised
to find a perched "Gray Ghost" as the adult male Northern Harrier is often
referred to. After watching the bird for a few minutes we saw it leave the
perch and dive to the ground out of site as if it were after prey. A small
flock of crows came to perch in the nearby trees probably to harass the
harrier. The hawk never reappeared and we finally moved on.
In spite of the lowered numbers we had an enjoyable day being outside.
Roger Mayhorn
Compton Mt
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