A visitor from the west

Based on the reports from Rich Guthrie via the NY list-serve, Sharon and I drove north to Thruway Exit 21B (NOT Exit 21 as we quickly found out) yesterday morning in search of a new life-bird for both of us, the Swainson's hawk. Forecasts were for high winds and those forecasts were right on the money. After a 1 3/4 hour drive north, we arrived at our destination. Rich was present at the site and put us on the hawk within the first five minutes of our visit. The hawk gave little heed to the blustery conditions and gave us fine looks for well over an hour. The young bird spent most of his(her?) time flying around the trees directly opposite our vantage point and was often perched on the road signs directly across from the exit ramp. What a cooperative subject! The Swainson's hawk is common in the prairies and intermontane plains of western US. Almost all of these birds head south to Argentina in the fall, and for whatever reason, this young bird decided to go via New York. Although it is not unheard of the get these birds passing through, it is indeed a rare treat. It was indeed a great opportunity to see a great bird thanks to Mr. Guthrie!