Hazel Bazemore Hawk Watch, Fall 1999
Date:   09-06-99

Greetings all:

Well, the non-hawk bird of the day is certainly one for the books! Here's the news from the hill from Joel:

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It rained and then rained some more. The watch was called off a little before 1pm. Lift-off of 57 Black Vultures that proceeded south were the first migrants of this species this season. During the first rain eight of us huddled under the canopy, looking for a brave peregrine, make that wishing for any bird brave enough to contend with the rain and wind, and we were rewarded
for our efforts. A Pomarine Jaeger!!!!!! It powered by at eye level 150 to 180 feet out. This dark morph individual was almost entirely dark brown except for the white crescent at the base of the hand flight feathers. Stocky body and
wings broad at the base, flight was direct and the wing beats were powerful
and steady (seemed deeper on the down stroke). The tail was wedge shaped with two short, stubby projections, no spoons at the tip but in no way sharp or pointed either. As it made its only slight turn, the side of the face seemed
lighter in color. Identified by myself and Chuck Brittian. What a treat.

57 Black Vultures
3 Mississippi Kite
1 Swainson's Hawk
1 Red-tailed Hawk
2 American Kestrel

Total 64

Joel

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From closer in town, Kent Taylor reports 130-140 Mississippi kites set down near his south Corpus Christi house last night. Today he reports 75 turkey vultures headed ssw trying to stay ahead of the squall line that blew in today. Not a bad yard list!

Cheers,
Patty Beasley
Joel Simon
Fernando Ramos
and the rest of the HBHW cast and crew