[grousedog20]

Ran 2 Raptor Surveys in Snyder County today with good results. Hawk haters please stop reading and move on!

Between the 2 routes we had 6 Northern Harriers, 68 Red-tails, and 4 Coopers...we also had a very disappointing low of 12 American Kestrels. We also had 2 White-winged Crossbills as well.

Some pics from sunrise before we started.

Some of the raptors on the route:

Some Red-tails:

Female and Male Northern Harrier (they were pretty far away):

American Kestrels:

Non-raptors:

Eastern Bluebird:

It was a great day to be out!

 

[Musky73]

Great pics!
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kevinupp]

You got some funny looking bluebirds in that last pic.

 

[eyefromthesky]

Nice shots!

 

[Hunterisme]

Good info! Curious how you get this data. Drive around rural areas and bino every bird ?

 

[grousedog20]

Good info! Curious how you get this data. Drive around rural areas and bino every bird ?

Basically yes...There are set routes, and like you said, we basically drive around and check every bird. You would be surprised how well their bellies show up when they are sunning themselves. Here's the link to the project website (http://www.pabirds.org/WRS.html). I was fortunate enough to be a part of the group that includes the architect of the project and I now have two routes of my own as well. Just another excuse to get out and see wild PA!!

 

[Killin'time]

Saw a bald eagle Sunday riding the thermals in the middle of Michaux State Forest. EVerythings frozen up here so not quite sure what he/she was doing hanging around.

 

[BenelliSBE]

nice. i was hoping you guys got some good shots of those frosty mornings

 

[clermont]

Nice shots Grouse. Thanks for sharing.

 

[CritterBuster]

Very cool.... Looks like you had a great day in the outdoors...

 

[Mus]

Nicely done, Grousedog20! Looks like you had a great day! The Kestrel numbers in northern Columbia county seem to be holding steady although I have noticed that I am not seeing the Harriers like I used to. And as far as Red-tails...there seems to be 1 or 2 watching over every field. I've yet to spot a Crossbill...would love to see and photograph one!