Chris Wiley Ithaca -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
I attempted to spend the afternoon at home sorting out databases and
getting other work-type things done, but when multiple rare raptors
have the decency to fly over my house, I figured the least I could do
is step outside and look at them. Around 4.15pm, I walked over to the
Boynton Middle School to see whether the Black Vulture was still
around and to watch for the Mississippi Kite that Tom Johnson
reported was headed down Cascadilla Creek. Along with Gary Kohlenberg
and Judy Thoroughman, I caught the tail-end of the Turkey Vulture
flight, with no Black Vulture in sight. However, at about 5pm, we
spotted what was probably the Mississippi Kite flying from Cornell
over downtown. It was the right size, had a pale head, held its
narrow wings flat, and didn't flap the entire time it crossed Ithaca.
However, we failed to get a view of the upper-wing pattern, and given
the distance we were not quite 100% certain of the identification. We
raced over to Stewart Park to see if we could get better views of the
bird once it hit the lake. However, by the time we relocated what
was probably the same bird, it was gliding quickly up the western
side of the lake and away from view. It didn't flap once the entire
time we watched it, but still managed to move at quite a speed! My
guess is that it will roost somewhere along the western side of
Cayuga Lake tonight, and anyone wanting to see it should position
themselves somewhere near the northern end of the lake tomorrow
morning. Best of luck to anyone that tries!!!
