VA Birders,
About 10:30 am this morning, John Fox and I saw a bird we are convinced
was an adult GOLDEN EAGLE fly over us at Fort C.F. Smith Park, Arlington. I
spotted a large raptor flying toward us, and we quickly decided it was an
eagle.
Naturally, we expected a Bald Eagle, but this bird was all dark except for a
light (but not white) head. It had no white either in its wings or on its
body that we could see. Also, we thought the head looked smaller than on Bald
Eagles we have seen, or at least it didn't protrude out as far in front of the
wings. We watched this eagle soaring overhead for at least a minute in
excellent light; it was low enough so that we could see its markings well.
Afterwards, we checked both the National Geographic and Sibley guides, and we
agreed
that it was definitely a Golden Eagle. This is not only the first Golden Eagle
I have recorded at Fort Smith, but a new Arlingoton County bird for me as
well!
A little later, after John left, I saw 2 adult BALD EAGLES, and then when
I was walking back toward the parking lot, I saw another adult Bald Eagle
with an immature, probably first year, bird, for a total of 4 Bald Eagles. We
also saw one each of Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, and Red-shouldered Hawks, and at
least 5 Red-tails. After the rain, the strong (up to 20 mph) west or northwest
winds were no doubt much to their liking. We also saw at least 1, possibly
2, CHIMNEY SWIFTS. Other highlights included both PALM & YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS, and 8 DARK-EYED JUNCOS at the Bird Stream just before I left.
Good birding,
Val Kitchens
Arlington, VA
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