A few new highway birds

Since my Tuesday post, I've had four new highway birds. On Thursday there were four Mourning Doves perched on roadside wires, and a big flock of Brant in the West River estuary. This morning I saw a Blue Jay flying through treetops and a Cooper's Hawk perched on a highway light pole.


M.D., C.H, R.P. - birds with similar body size and very different tails; and at the top of the sketch my interpretation of the Blue Jay's flight pattern (Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk, Rock Pigeon)

The doves were sitting quietly, all with their backs to the sun. The Brant have a diagnostic posture as they swim, with long black necks angled forward. The Blue Jay had a recognizable flight pattern, with a - - - _ _ _ - - - kind of flight (three quick wingbeats, three longer ones, followed by quick ones again, as it was preparing to perch in the tree. Also, the very separated primaries help me recognize a Blue Jay in flight. The Cooper's Hawk was on a light pole right after several Pigeons-on-lights. The body size was very similar, the reddish banding on pale belly of an adult, and the long tail pointed to Accipiter cooperii.

Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura
Brant, Branta bernicla
Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata
Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter cooperii

happy AND SAFE roadside birding!
Sue