Observer's final stop of the day was  East Creek in Orwell, [Garganey  site 
in 1988].  Initially not a single bird was seen but then a  buteo passed 
overhead first observed at about one o'clock going  away.!  The bird was dark 
gray, black primaries but with no banner marks as  viewed in the ventral 
position.  Completely black and gray. The birds  flight was leisurely but 
direct, progressing in a southerly direction with  several deep flaps followed by 
a glide.  Red tail in size.
What are the chances of a dark morph Red-tailed Hawk?  This observer  has 
not seen one in Vermont!
Cheers,
Roy Pilcher
The Gables at East Mountain, Rutland,  Vermont

Speaking the same language.