We ran one of the best raptor routes I have done for several years today, our longest one over the south-central area of the county. It's 84 miles and we had pretty good weather with temps in the lo 30's and just a little breeze and some increasing sun over the day, with just a couple of inches of snow left on the ground.
We found two light rough-legged hawks in separate areas, and a beautiful dark one on Packing Rd. A pretty typical total of 18 red-tailed hawks, and 3 bald eagles including one right over the hill from here. We missed on any kestrels, harriers, Cooper's or red-shoulders. At the very end of the route though, there in Curllsville was a beautiful adult peregrine perched in a tall oak over the pastures in town. I was able to get half decent pictures enough to ID, and then it took off and we tried to drive around to follow it but we lost it headed over the hill by the church. I saw one here on December 2, which is pretty unusual so I have to wonder, has it been hanging around for the winter and I have just missed it ? Hard to say but still thrilled to find it along with all the rough-legs today, definitely a successful day to be out !
