Walking around Bryan Park this morning didn't produce a whole lot of
migrants. The only one of note was a Blue-headed Vireo singing behind the
pond that runs next to the nature center (Jordan's Pond?). I also saw four
different raptor species over the course of the morning: A Cooper's Hawk,
three Red-tailed Hawks (two adults and likely one immature - all flying
together), a Red-shouldered Hawk flying and calling near where I heard the
vireo, and a pair of adult Bald Eagles. Initially, one was pretty low near
the bridge - maybe 15 - 20 feet up - where the Barn Swallows nest and
appeared to be chasing something. I later saw it again quite high over the
pond where another one came over and joined it. I don't recall ever seeing
four species of raptors in one day before anywhere - let alone at Bryan
Park! I've seen the three hawks there before (though not all the same day),
but I think this is the first time I've seen an eagle there, though one has
been reported there previously this year.
Alyssa Freeman
Henrico
