windy bird movement

Two locations within Greenwood Cemetery stood out on this windy day. The Sylvan Water and Kiamie crypt east of the Battle Monument had the most interesting activity and stuff.

At the Sylvan, a buildup of PINE WARBLERS and TREE SWALLOWS took center stage.At the east shoreline,in a Japanese  cherry tree, at least 7 PINE WARBLERS mixed in with 5 PALMS. I was told later the flock got more of the two species. I also spotted a single YELLOW RUMPED WARBLER. Meanwhile overhead,TREE SWALLOWS work their aerial magic; their numbers built up over the water while two NORTHERN ROUGH WINGED SWALLOW stayed close to the surface.

While the swallows and warblers did their show, a big bird surprise. I spotted a juvenile BALD EAGLE flying above the north ridge. Assuming it left,it doubled back over the Sylvan Water ,heading south , offering excellent views to several birders below. OSPREY came thru at that spot,including one attacked by a RED TAILED HAWK.

Eventually making my way to the cemetery north section,I swung by the hawkwatch spot,Kiamie Crypt;this near the Minerva statue,or east of the Civil War Battle Monument . Already there watching g was Rob Jett and Peter Colen. We spotted AMERICAN KESTREL,MERLIN,TURKEY VULTURE part of 7 raptors reported in the cemetery. During our watch, a delightful surprise was the flyover EASTERN MEADOWLARK going fast and furious !

Other interesting birds in the cemetery I found initially mostly happened at the water bodies. BELTED KINGFISHERS and RUSTY BLACKBIRD at Dellwater, and WHITE EYED VIREO in a sprouting Red Maple at the Crescent Water north shore.

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