Another hawkwatching season has begun here at Kiptopeke, and we are off to a great start! Ospreys have composed most of the raptor flight so far, which is typical during the early part of the season. An Osprey (which we think is probably a single individual, based on plumage characteristics) has been hanging around on the nearby telephone pole, snacking on fish and drying its wings in the sun. Yesterday, a Peregrine Falcon zoomed very low and close overhead.
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| Osprey with fish; photo by Steve Thornhill |
Today, a beautiful Yellow-throated Warbler landed on the platform ramp and foraged for awhile, hopping around and flycatching. Other non-raptor highlights have included 30 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers yesterday, ~337 Eastern Kingbirds today, and hundreds of Purple Martins and Barn Swallows.
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| Yellow-throated Warbler; photo by Steve Thornhill |
My name is Anna Stunkel, and I am returning to the hawkwatch as the counter for a second season this year. I am so excited to be here to experience the migration at Kiptopeke again. Please stop by the platform sometime; the season runs from September 1- November 30 and visitors are always welcome. I am happy to answer your questions and to share the joy of hawkwatching.
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| Photo by Steve Thornhill |
-Anna
