[Maine-birds] MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND REPORT

Raptors are on the move today, in spire of the 20 knot Northerly wind
So far this morning I've seen at least 6 HARRIERS; 5 OSPREY; 10+ MERLINS; 3 SHARP SHINNED HAWKS; 6 PEREGRINES & 5 KESTRELS.
The Ospreys passed right by the island. That's typical except for late day travellers seeking to over-night.

The air space over the island is worthy of a Hollywood war movie.
Harriers lopping along, bomber-like. Peregrines harassing the bombers. Between those air-to-air sorties, the little guys on the ground trying to avoid detection.

I saw 2 FLICKERS that were converted into falcon food and the Harriers aren't going hungry. Sparrow feathers are easy to find.

 

Merlins are zipping fighter-fashon after each other and straffing the sparrows. They stop briefly to prepare for their next missions: 3 were sitting on the patio a moment ago eyeing the sparrows. At times they get in each other's way, scary for the prey but often allowing the prey to escape.

There were some warblers moving last night but nothing especially exciting here; BUTTER BUTTS & PALMS.
 Thrushs are the big movers. The 1st CATBIRD and 1st WOOD THRUSH appeared late yesterday, joining a large troop of HERMIT THRUSHS. Today there are thrushs almost out numbering WHITE THROATED SPARROWS.

I've been taken to task for "labelling" some birds as Thrushs but, correct or not, I think of them as allies. So my thrushs today are:
10 ROBINS;
2 CATBIRDS;
3 BROWN THRASHERS;
2 WOOD THRUSH;
5 VEERY;
30 HERMIT THRUSH;
2 BICKNELL'S/GRAY CHEEKED THRUSH;
4 SWAINSON'S THRUSH.

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