[va-richmond-general] Re: new to the list
- From: Kirk Andrews <kirkaandrews@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: warfield101@xxxxxxxxxxx, va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:18:10 -0700 (PDT)
Hi Al,
Thanks for your note. As I mentioned, I'm still fairly new to birding,
so let me go ahead and lay out my analysis of the bird I saw.
I was able to quickly rule out the Black and Turkey Vultures as I had
seen both earlier in the day. This bird was considerably larger (body,
wingspan and wing width) and flew with more stable and controlled
motions than the vultures. I can definitely say I was looking at an
eagle and not a vulture.
As you pointed out, it could have been a juvenile Bald Eagle. I
considered this as I watched the bird. I got some pretty good looks at
both the top and bottom of the bird as it glided. The primary color was
a dark, chocolate color. But there were splotchy, cream colored (not
white) patches throughout the top and bottom of the bird's plumage.
When comparing it to my Sibley's guide, it looked almost exactly like
the 2nd year Golden Eagle.
The main thing I struggled with was the bird's range map, which you
also alluded to.
I'd love to hear if anyone else out there has seen a bird like this
down at Dutch Gap. I remain excited about the sighting, but the range
map definitely introduces a degree of uncertainty that it was a Golden
Eagle.
Thanks for your help,
Kirk
--- Al Warfield wrote:
> Welcome Kirk,
>
> Glad you enjoyed a visit to one of our favorite parks. If you really
> saw a Golden Eagle there it would be a first I think for this area.
> There are lots of Bald Eagles there, including juveniles this time of
> year. Also plenty of Black and Turkey Vultures. But never a Golden
> Eagle. They have been reported on the Potomac a few times, and
> certainly around Highland County on the ridges. Maybe someone out
> there knows something I don't.
>
> Al Warfield
> Richmond Audubon Society
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Kirk Andrews
> To: va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:12 AM
> Subject: [va-richmond-general] new to the list
>
>
> Hello All,
>
> I've been into birding for a little over a year now and I joined the
> RAS late last year. I wanted to take a minute to say hi and to share
> a
> recent experience I had during my first trip down to Dutch Gap.
>
> I hiked/birded last Thursday morning from 8:30-11:30. The highlights
> of
> my trip included a good view of a Golden Eagle, and short, but
> exciting
> views of a Kestrel, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and a Blue-gray
> Gnatcatcher.
>
> I also enjoyed some close-up views of a family of Wood Ducks (males,
> females and juveniles) and a really nice Great Blue.
>
> I look forward to reading about your sightings & adventures and if
> you're ever planning on birding out in the Goochland/Lousia area,
> please let me know. I recently moved out there and I have not located
> that many good birding spots yet.
>
> Have a great day,
>
> Kirk
>
>
>
>
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