Some New Fall Birds and Challenging ID's - 29 Sep 2026
Today brought new birds to the fall list. My walk at Elizabeth Park not only brought the birds, but also challenging ID’s. I entered the woods near the Maintenance Yard shortly after 8:30 am. A large hawk flew away from me down the trail and landed 60 yds away. Merlin picked up Red-shouldered Hawk , and my gut feeling was this was the bird in question. However, this hawk lacked markings associated with Red-shouldered Hawks and may have a slight belly band that is more indicative of a Red-tailed Hawk. I’m leaving it unidentified. I did hear two loud Red-shouldered Hawks in the woods but only saw them flying away; one could have been this bird. The trees were quiet this morning. No warblers to speak of except for a single Bay-breasted Warbler high in the canopy. I did pick up White-throated Sparrow and Golden-crowned Kinglet , and later see a distant Brown Creeper . I’d then stumble upon a Tufted Titmouse , but that was the end of potential photo opps. Near the maintenance ...
