Yesterday, 3/22 I drive the Christmas Valley Raptor survey route and counted 96
raptors. Conditions were 32-47 degree tamps. with winds out of the west 0-20
mph. the skies were cloudy to partly cloudy and produce scattered rain/snow
showers. i left bend an hour early to try and see the big elk herd and go to
the Sage-Grouse lek. The elk weren't there but replaced by 50 head deer herd.
The Sage-Grouse were not there either and I was there at 0700. There was
however a Golden Eagle perched on a pivot nest to the lek. I did get to visit
one of my old friends, the dark morph Rough-legged Hawk who has been at the
same location for 5 winters. It looks like the Roughies are starting to leave
for their breeding grounds. Several of the Northern Harriers were paired up
and doing their display flights which are fun to watch. Horned Larks are are
out there doing the same.
Here is what I counted
Red-tailed Hawks ------------------- 38
American Kestrel ------------------- 2
Northern Harrier ------------------- 16
Bald Eagle ------------------------- 8A
Golden Eagle ----------------------- 2
Rough-legged Hawk ------------------ 15
Ferruginous Hawk ------------------- 13
Unident. Buteo --------------------- 1
Turkey vulture --------------------- 1
Total ------------------------------ 96
Kim Boddie
Bend
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