Hi Tweets -

I visited Kent Ponds (Green River Natural Resources Area) this afternoon and had some wonderful looks at a variety of raptors. This includes two female NORTHERN HARRIERS, with one of them perching in multiple locations throughout the trail system (I don't know how to describe the locations relative to the entrances, but they were pretty much in the center of the area.) There was also an AMERICAN KESTREL perched in a tree off the trail when I first arrived, but I did not see it again the rest of the day. Down in the large body of water, I watched as a BALD EAGLE hunted for it's afternoon meal. On many occasions, a RED-TAILED HAWK would harass the eagle during flight. The highlight of the day was two SHORT-EARED OWLs which were in conflict with one of the female Harriers, and later were harassed heavily by a flock of 30-40 crows.

Of course, there were a few SONG SPARROWS, as well as a SPOTTED TOWHEE. In the large body of water were several MALLARDs and AMERICAN WIDGEONS.

Here are a couple photos that I was able to get while there:

Northern Harrier: http://flickr.com/photos/rparsons/2224257751/
Short-Eared Owl: http://flickr.com/photos/rparsons/2225036988/

Raymond Parsons
rayshome1 at hotmail.com