FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] RPT: Bernheim eagle trip results

["Palmer-Ball, Brainard \(EPPC OOS KNPC\)" <Brainard.Palmer-Ball@xxxxxx>]

Well, I was quite disappointed to come away from 3 hours of scanning the 
beautiful, blue skies along Wilson Creek, southern Bernheim Forest, with only 
distant scope views of two Golden Eagles. The birds came up from a suspected 
roost area, only to head off to the southwest. There must not be food available 
for them close to our usual observation post on the hill, so some without 
scopes were left without anything more than specks in the binocs for their 
effort. I mention this just so anyone visiting the area will know that they can 
consider themselves lucky if they get some good views. Perhaps the Bernheim 
staff will get another road-killed deer out to bring the birds back more in the 
vicinity of the road.
 
We did get very nice looks at an adult Bald Eagle, both perched and soaring, as 
well as decent views of Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. Other birds of 
interest included a few flocks of Cedar Waxwings, which appear to be moving 
back into our area after a CBC period nearly devoid of them, nice looks at 
Eastern Bluebirds and a very cooperative Golden-crowned Kinglet.
 
The day was about as nice as one could hope for, with clear skies and a light 
to moderate breeze. Thanks to everyone who helped to scan.
 
Yesterday afternoon, I got some nice, albeit brief looks at a male Merlin on 
our family farm in Jefferson County.
 
bpb, Frankfort