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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