At 2:23 this afternoon a SANDHILL CRANE flew over the Harvey's Knob
hawkwatch, elevation 2400 ft. The bird was first spotted over Goose Creek
Valley
in BEDFORD COUNTY kettling with Turkey Vultures. It flew over the hawkwatchers
on the parkway and headed SSW into BOTETOURT COUNTY. Others, besides myself
who were lucky enough to see this bird were Bill Grant, Bill James, and John
and
Sharon Williamson.........Oh yeah, we saw 19 hawks, 18 RTs and 1 RS. Today
was our last official day at Harvey's Knob (we covered every day from 15 Aug
thru today, weather permitting.) although some of us plan to go up in December
if weather conditions look promising. Our unofficial total for the season
stands at 4,672 raptors. Many thanks to everyone who helped with the count,
whether it was counting, spotting, keeping the counters company, greeting
visitors,
serving sausage gravy biscuits, filling feeders, IDing jets or distributing
pistaschios, all were appreciated!!
Mike Purdy
Roanoke, Va.
