raptors and geese

in fall, there are less raptors seen at Cabot Head than in spring: the funnel effect of the Peninsula doesn't work as well. However, some interesting observations of birds of prey have been made. For example, last Sunday, on September 2, a parade of birds of prey flew across the skyline fighting a strong south wind: a kettle of about 30 Broad-winged Hawks tried to push south, joined briefly by a young Bald Eagle. Several Red-tailed Hawks - young and adults alike - showed their skills at mastering the wind as they moved in the airspace with grace and ease. The local Merlin was also seen, as well as 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks and one Northern Harrier...

On September 4, another Bald Eagle flew to Middle Bluff and then perched for a few hours on a big pine tree (where I have seen other Eagles perched before). It was a 4-year-old, recognizable by the white head and tail that still retain some brown.

It is also this time of year when flocks of Canada Goose are leaving their northern breeding grounds to milder climes. Although it still feels like summer here on the Bruce, there's no doubt that colder days are already a reality on the shores of Hudson's Bay. Yesterday must have been a good day to travel for the geese as about 600 of them were counted moving flocks after flocks over the bay.