FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Northern Harrier and Horned Larks

["Roger Mayhorn" <mayhorn@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All,
This afternoon my wife, Lynda, and I birded the area of Poplar Gap here in 
Buchanan County. This area for the past few years has been the scene of strip 
mining and road construction. Even though parts of it are still under 
construction sections of it have now been reclaimed.

It was in one of these reclaimed areas that we found a Northern Harrier gliding 
low over the grass. No mistaking that shape and behavior. At first it was just 
a distant silhouette, but within a few minutes it came fairly close. As it came 
closer it kited for a moment, then glided past us over the highway and down 
into another grassy area.
We hope this bird hangs around for the Breaks CBC which is coming up on Dec. 
15th.

Earlier we had found a couple of Horned Larks in the same area.
For those interested I have posted some photos of the Harrier at 
http://www.pbase.com/mayhorn/harrier_1

Roger Mayhorn
Compton Mt
Buchanan County