Team Pipit out and about today to take advantage of a lovely early
spring day. Results by location:

Bristol boat access: We were here in hopes of welcoming the Sandhill
Cranes back. Instead we had gorgeous views of an early-arriving
Broad-winged Hawk! He was circling directly overhead, the rusty barring
on the breast, the black-and-white banding of the tail (with the last
white band especially wide), and the underwing pattern (white with black
wingtips and trailing edge) all clearly visible.

Hawkins Road, Ferrisburgh: We were here in hopes of an early Osprey or
some eagles perhaps along the Little Otter Creek. No Osprey but four
Bald Eagles (3 adults, one immature) more than rewarded our efforts. One
adult was on the ice where the road crosses a branch of the creek, the
other three birds were perched in trees by the side of the river.

Fort Cassin Road: One of our favorite spots in early spring. No Rusty
Blackbirds and again no Osprey but lots of other goodies: another four
Bald Eagles (as reported also by Carol Scott) plus a bunch of other
goodies: 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 8 male
Buffleheads,, a pair each of Wood Ducks, Common Goldeneye and Hooded
Mergansers, also 4 Ring-necked Ducks. We didn't count the Canada Geese
nor the Common Mergansers. Also (not what we would call goodies) about
10 Double-crested Cormorants.

W.A.G.S. (West Addison Grocery Store). A great stop for lunch and other
necessities. And in the field across Route 17 from the store: large
numbers (in the 100's) of Black Ducks and Mallards.

Lake Champlain Bridge. Nothing new to report here: tons of Canada Geese
and Common Goldeneye (a quick search produced no Barrow's). Also good
numbers of scaup and Ring-necked Ducks, a male Wood Duck, a couple of
American Wigeon and at least a couple of male Green-winged Teal. Too
many birds here to scan thoroughly (especially with the early-afternoon
light).

Raptor totals for the day (besides the eagles and the broadwing): 14
Red-tailed Hawks, 4 Rough-legged Hawk (two light, two dark), one male
Northern Harrier, an American Kestrel and 5 Turkey Vultures.

Pipit