Falcon sighting
It's been several months since the Falcon Watch ended, and I've been so busy I haven't been able to get out for any birding this summer, so I was thrilled with my little adventure yesterday. I was crossing the Harvey Taylor Bridge from downtown Harrisburg to the west shore of the Susquehanna yesterday about 3 pm when I spotted a pair of birds wheeling overhead. I have a "new" pair of binocs that I've been carrying in the car with me, so as soon as I could I pulled over and got them out. Actually, there were 2 birds circling each other, dipping low and close enough to me that I could be positive it was an adult and an immature falcon (dark sideburns/white face and white breast on one and striped underside with brown sideburn markings on the other), and a third one circling alone somewhat higher. The 2 that were circling each other only stayed low for a few seconds, but I got a "lock" with the binocs and followed them as they went higher. After a few moments of spiralling climb, the immature suddenly dove (it seemed like straight at me thru the binocs) while the other chased; after a second or 2 the immature flipped over on its back and the 2 locked talons and spiralled together for a second then separated. They continued circling and maneuvering for a moment before I lost my balance and my visual fix through the binocs. By the time I could get my eyes focused again they were pretty high up and I was late for my appt so I had to stop trying. I watch for falcons every time I drive, but most of the bigger birds turn out to be crows when I get closer, although sometimes there is a red-tail, so it was very exciting to finally see falcons overhead, and so clearly!