The second week of raptor banding at blind two produced 15 newly banded raptors of four species: six red-tailed hawks, six sharp-shinned hawks, two merlins, and a broad-winged hawk.
This adult (after third year) broad-winged hawk was the definitive highlight of this week’s captures.
Although broad-winged hawks are seen in great numbers thermalling overhead on their journey from the neotropics to their breeding grounds, they are seldom captured at migration banding sites, making this adult a rare treat to see in hand.
Adult female merlin, our first falcon of the season!
Third year (TY) female sharp-shinned hawk with Capillaria lesions visible at its gape (corner of its bill).
Although this hawk had substantial lesions caused by Capillaria, a nematode parasite, it was otherwise in excellent condition, with healthy amounts of fat and breast muscle. We observe Capillaria lesions on many sharp-shinned hawks, although they are usually much less advanced than in this example.
Season Totals as of 18 April
red-tailed hawk: 21
sharp-shinned hawk: 11
merlin: 2
broad-winged hawk: 1
Total captures: 35
