[TN-Bird] What were those??

From: Oligobird@xxxxxxx
To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 10:48:57 EST
I do not know if I was halucinating this morning at 8.30 AM.  Sat on the 
porch, I first saw a group of about 6 birds busily flycatching thirty feet 
above 
the roof. In the dull light the most likely ID was purple martins - dark short 
wings, spotty gray beneath, swirling about swiftly. Surely this is too late in 
the fall, but what else? Any other late fall flycatching birds in small 
flocks? Not chimney swifts for sure. Then, a real puzzle. Two very large birds, 
gliding by very swiftly, some hundred feet high, no wing beat through a 90 
degree 
arc of sky. Wings against the gray sky appear black, the neck outstretched, 
head and neck white. Feet trailing, but the brief view and failing short term 
memory lead to unclear idea about tail length.  The birds were headed due north 
from just below Lebanon, Wilson Co. As a long-term birder, the sight elicited 
the immediate response " that is something really strange".  I am very 
familiar with sand hill cranes, and figure it is early for them to be passing, 
and 
just as a pair exhibiting such a long glide seemed unusual. Also, the clear 
contrast between neck/head and the apparently black, long narrow wings and the 
body do not quite match.  Some of the observations, gliding and color,  seem 
reminiscent of frigate birds but I have no recollection of the long tail, which 
can be folded and not look bifid of course. This species I have seen 
extensively in the past, but unless anyone saw these birds in my area I am 
certainly not 
going to give any credence to that ID.  Help anyone? Thanks Ralph Brinkhurst
Lebanon, Wilson County

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[TN-Bird] What were those??

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