High flight

Sunny weather and light winds allow soaring hawks to get way up in the sky, like this sub-adult Golden Eagle did today. Still, Canada was too far off for this bird, because it tried to cross twice but came back both times. Later in the afternoon, a juvenile Golden Eagle was seen mixed in with the redtails.

That redtail flock grew to 68 individuals. None of them crossed. The total count today got to 114 - the best day of the season so far - and included 5 Turkey Vultures, 12 Bald Eagles, 3 Northern Harriers, 10 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2 Northern Goshawks, 3 Red-shouldered Hawks, 6 Rough-legged Hawks, an American Kestrel, 2 Merlins and the aforementioned redtails and Golden Eagles.

In the tree next to the hawk platform was this adult male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

Sandhill Cranes continued to migrate in smaller numbers today compared to yesterday. Their daily total got to 45.

Sunny skies and light to moderate north winds are in the forecast for Saturday, which may produce a similar hawk flight. Sunday suddenly looks interesting, with - hey - higher temperatures and - wait, that can't be right - south winds...