FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Short-Eared Owls in Rectortown

[Steve Johnson <stevejohnson2@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My family and I visited the field on Crenshaw Road in Rectortown tonight 
(Sunday 04 Feb.) from 5:00 to 5:45 (sunset was around 5:30 PM).  A 
NORTHERN HARRIER flew for some time, mostly over the next field to the 
North.  Close to sunset, a RED-TAILED HAWK appeared in a tree straight 
across the field (didn't see it arrive).  A few minutes after sunset, 2 
SHORT-EARED OWLS flew in from the north, hovered for a few minutes, then 
landed in widely separated trees - one due West, one almost due North.  
The ID is pretty solid - we got a good look at the size, shape, and lack 
of ears (when perched), and good view of wing markings as they flew.

It was windy and brisk, so we didn't stay and listen for owl calls.

Between Marshall and Rectortown, we saw another Red-Tail, and also one 
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.  On I-66 between Fairfax and Marshall, we saw about 
6 other Red-Tails and 2 more unidentified Buteos.

We also found a lot of very large pellets around the roof behind the 
parking spot.

- Steve Johnson
Fairfax, VA.



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