Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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Kestrels Galore!
10:29 AM
Ryan Ankeny
I came back from vacation this week to find quite a spectacle at the landfill. One small wooded lot has become the home to over 35 American Kestrels. I couldn't get an accurate count because there were so many swooping and gliding at once. I know there had to be at least 35 at one point but very likely closer to 40 or 45. Their activity is focused on one hill and one woodlot that runs along Grade Lane. If interested they can be seen from the road but the best view is from the landfill. Not sure why they have decided to descend on the landfill this week but I'm not objecting. Possibly there is an abundance of meaty grasshoppers and other bugs, though I haven't really noticed a difference in the insect numbers.
The Kestrels are reminiscent of large swallows as they ride the wind or hover in place over a potential meal. I've never heard of a fallout of Kestrels before but I guess there is a first time for everything.
The Kestrels are reminiscent of large swallows as they ride the wind or hover in place over a potential meal. I've never heard of a fallout of Kestrels before but I guess there is a first time for everything.
Friday, July 3, 2009
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Red-tailed Hawk Fledglings
7:08 PM
Ryan Ankeny
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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The Usual Characters
9:56 PM
Ryan Ankeny
The Yellow-crowned Night Heron has been hanging around again lately. He's found a spot where the fishing must be good because he's been there the last three days searching for food in the same place.
Today he had a friend watching his back. A Spotted Sandpiper was "spotted" behind the heron running up and down the bank in search of food. Having completed his breeding obligations up north he is back on his way south to his wintering grounds. It is amazing how quickly they finish their business and head back south.
Today he had a friend watching his back. A Spotted Sandpiper was "spotted" behind the heron running up and down the bank in search of food. Having completed his breeding obligations up north he is back on his way south to his wintering grounds. It is amazing how quickly they finish their business and head back south.