Hawk Migration!

Broad-winged Hawks were on the move this morning. While standing for 30 minutes on "Hawk Watch Hill" (a high point in Canatara, named by Deryl), we watched over 300 hawks migrate in kettles of up to 60 birds.

One of the flight "leaders" travelled closer to the ground for a photo op!

Warblers were also on on the move. I saw my first Palm Warbler of the season. The near constant tail-wagging of this species helps to confirm its identity. They mainly forage on open ground or in low vegetation, rather than in the forest canopy. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds.)

The Pine Warbler is the only warbler that eats large quantities of seeds, primarily those of pines. This seed-eating ability means Pine Warblers sometimes visit bird feeders. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds.)

The Brown-headed Cowbird is North America's most common "brood parasite".  (Males in top photo; a single female in bottom photo.) A female cowbird makes no nest of her own, but instead lays her eggs in the nests of other bird species, who then raise the young cowbirds. Cowbird eggs hatch faster than other species eggs, giving cowbird nestlings a head start in getting food from the parents. Young cowbirds also develop at a faster pace than their nest mates and they sometimes toss out eggs and young nestlings or smother them in the bottom of the nest. Most birds do not recognize Cow Bird eggs in their own nest. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds.) 

First of year goslings in Canatara Park with egg shell in foreground. They sure are cute at this stage! Luckily each pair of Canada Geese will only have one brood per year. It won't be long before we are over run with goose families!