Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 15:21:42 -0400
From: ronholl1
Subject: Jordan Lake bird ID
This past spring and early summer I noticed a large raptor (my assumption) at the Farrington boat ramp area of Jordan Lake. I just saw it again (Monday 9/23) and would appreciate any help in identification.
I can tell you what it’s NOT: not a bald eagle, not an osprey, not a hawk of any local or migrating species, not a turkey vulture, not a crow, not a blue heron. It’s larger than some of the bald eagles I’ve seen it roosting beside in trees, and is mostly black with flecks of brown interspersed, similar to the coloring on a cochin chicken. As near as I can tell from comparisons to photos on the web it appears to be a Golden Eagle, but their range is not supposed to include this area.
Any info appreciated, whether a direct email or reply to the chatlist.
Ron Holloway