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Riverbend Park Observations



Thought I would give an update on some of the observations that I have made
lately at Riverbend Park (northern Catawba County).  The Broad-winged Hawk
pair that have a nest near the park office have at least one chick.  It is
about two weeks old now.  It can be seen very well in the nest.  It is
starting to get some of it's true feathers.  I am going to try to get some
pictures of it tomorrow.  I got a couple of pictures of the female sitting
on the nest.  I will post them, along with any of the chick that I might
get, in the next couple of days.  Other nests that I have located in the
park include an Eastern Kingbird and Orchard Oriole nest, both near the
canoe access area.  There are at least 110+ Cliff Swallow nest on the Hwy.
16 bridge that can be seen from the park.  This is amazing since there were
only TEN nest here last year!!!  The Cliff Swallows swarm over the park
office every evening.  The other day I saw one of the Broad-winged Hawks
with a Cliff Swallow in it's talons.  The Bald Eagles are seen most every
weekend.  I have gotten great views of them as I was just sitting at the
desk in the office.   There at least three-- 2 adults and one second year
bird (possibly last years young?).  A nest has still not yet been located,
but its only a matter of time.  We think the nest is likely a mile or two
down river from the park on Lookout Shoals Lake.  That is where they are
spotted perching the most.  There are still a few Double-crested Cormorants
hanging around the park.  This is the first year I have seen them stay
during the summer.  Many Wild Turkeys have been seen in the last couple of
weeks.  Today four hens with chicks were seen.  I'll seen out a message when
I post the pictures of the hawks.

Dwayne
*************************
Dwayne Martin
Foothills Bird Club
Taylorsville, NC
redxbill@conninc.com
http://www.geocities.com/foothillsbirdclub/