Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, 9/19/15

All photos are © Marshall Faintich

I had errands to run in Waynesboro, so I stopped at the Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch for a few hours on my way there. There were several distant, large kettles of migrating Broad-winged Hawks that required a spotting scope to see, but a few of the kettles dispersed with hawks streaming overhead, and a few small kettles formed near the hawk watch site.


Broad-winged Hawks


Broad-winged Hawk


Broad-winged Hawk


Broad-winged Hawk


Broad-winged Hawk


Broad-winged Hawk

Three Bald Eagles put on a good show as well.


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle


Bald Eagle

I saw a single Osprey, one Sharp-shinned Hawk, and an American Kestrel.


Osprey


Sharp-shinned Hawk


American Kestrel

There were quite a few Black and Turkey Vultures.


Immature Turkey Vulture

The highlight for me was a fast flying Merlin. Although the photos didn't turn out that well, it was a neat bird to see.


Merlin


Merlin


Merlin


Merlin


Merlin


Merlin


Merlin

When I wasn't looking for raptors, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at the feeder were fun to watch.


Ruby-throated Hummingbird


Ruby-throated Hummingbird


Ruby-throated Hummingbird



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