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Broad-winged Hawks, etc



Hi folks,
	Just received a report from Keith Watson that Brian Watts, ornithologist
from William & Mary has made some interesting discoveries while surveying
the Alligator River NWR recently. Two weeks ago he observed two Broad-winged
Hawks, one along hwy 64 and one perched in a tree adjacent to the farm
fields along Milltail Road. This is most interesting in that Broad-winged
Hawks do not winter this far north (maybe no further than FL)? In fact,
you're doing real well to see one in Dare County at any time of the year.
According to Keith, he says they also were found in the Dismal Swamp last
breeding season and that they were found breeding on the Delmarva Peninsula
as well. As some of you may recall, a Broad-winged Hawk was reported on the
Alligator NWR this past december during the CBC.
	Also, according to Keith, Mr. Watts has found 20 Short-eared Owls out on
the Alligator River Refuge and says that there are even more than that over
on the Pocosin Lakes refuge; "too many to count." It will be interesting to
see if any stick around during the breeding season as they did last year. If
so, hopefully this time someone can document their nesting.
	A Bald Eagle nest has also been found on the Alligator NWR but it's
location is a secret at this time.
	Also, Keith reports that the two Rough-legged Hawks are still present out
there as of last weekend.
	Mr.Watts says that he has never seen as large a wintering concentration of
raptors anywhere in the U.S. as is present on the Alligator River NWR this
year.
	Very interesting!
		Jeff Lewis - Manteo, NC