I also did a trip through the Black Dirt region Saturday. Although Rough-legs are sparse this year (especially if you're hoping for pictures), it was still a good trip. I was more interested in Red-tailed Hawks (imagine that - it doesn't do anything for one's year list). I was hoping to track down the Western Red-tail found a few weeks ago, but there was no sign of it. Darn. I was shooting for five subspecies / forms along the eastern seaboard this winter. What I did find were a few individuals showing characteristics of the northern subspecies (or form) albieticola. A couple come with a greater degree of certainty. Given individual variation within subspecies and likely interbreeding where ranges meet, it may not always be possible to be sure. Some pictures can be seen at my web site http://stevewalternature.com/ , on the Birds recent work page.
I also came across American Kestrels. In comparing locations with those reported by Michael Britt, there had to be at least 5 around the Black Dirt area. Kestrels wintering in Kestrel habitat. Who saw that coming? One non raptor note that may be of interest to some. There were 3 White-crowned Sparrows around the Wallkill NWR Liberty loop parking lot, an adult and two immatures. Steve Walter Bayside, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
