Raptor Time

Here's a few raptor photos from the past couple of weeks. Next cold front should be a good time to do a Brooklyn hawkwatch:

After his usual summer absence, "Rover" has returned to Green-Wood Cemetery for regular visits. Look for him in the pines near Horace Greeley or Samuel F.B. Morse.

It's clearly not a great photo, but definitely identifiable as a Black Vulture. This species is rare around Brooklyn and I spotted him soaring over Green-Wood Cemetery.

Another regular around Green-Wood Cemetery, the American Kestrel is a locally breeding species. Look for them harassing the Monk Parakeets at the main entrance.

The Merlin is another small falcon seen around the cemetery, but only during the fall and winter months. In spring they'll head north again.

During a day trip up to the Croton Reservoir we spotted both Osprey and a few young Bald Eagles. With an abundance of food here for these pescaterians I assume they are locally breeding birds.

Plumage looks like it's a second year Bald Eagle.