Monday, September 9, 2002
At 4:50 p.m. EST, a juvenile Northern Goshawk was observed at Rockfish Gap
Hawk Watch.
First spotted by Gordy Adamski, it came through the gap heading in
southerly direction along east side of ridge, well below eye level. The
two of us were positioned on the upper level adjacent to the pool; had we
been at the patio level we could very easily have missed this one.
Initially I got only a quick glimpse inbetween the opening of the trees
below. From what I could see in those few seconds was the topside of the
bird that was brownish and "mottled". Possibly an immature Red-tailed? But
there was just something about it, even in those few seconds. Before it
disappeared the second time through the trees I caught a glimpse of the
tail and near base along the side where there is typically the "pale" area,
it seemed silvery, not creamy or light tawny in color.
Gordy walked further along the ridge toward the end of the property behind
the pool area. Several crows were perched atop a dead snag and they were
beginning to vocalize in that way you know there's a bird of prey close
by. We kept scanning the skies in hopes it would pop up. A few more crows
flew in and then I heard Gordy say "There it is." A buteo-like hawk
appeared directly south slowly climbing high enough above the treetops for
us to see. Looking down I could see the mottled brown back and upper
wings. As it rose to eye level, I could see the extended wings were held
level. The tail was tucked and at one angle seemed a bit tapered. However,
it didn't appear very long. It flew close along the ridge and as it slowly
turned it banked providing an unobstructed view of the underside. My
reaction was to say "Did you see that?!" The wings were fully extended
revealing heavily barred flight feathers, the dark barring against the
slivery white background of the underside giving it an almost checker-board
look. The underparts were whitish and streaked and seemed to have the
characteristics of both adult and immature Northern Goshawk.
Brenda Tekin, Co-coordinator
Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, VA
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