Mike Girone reports seeing a light-morph Rough-leg, 4 Northern harriers, a falcon trifecta, two Red-tails and a Muskrat on Disposal Road yesterday after 2 p.m.
His Muskrat (Happy Meal) shot is above, His full report follows. (Thanks, Mike!)
Mike sez:
Arrived at the Carillon a little after 2 p.m. today, and saw a light-morph Rough-leg perched atop a tree on the Kingsland landfill. Shortly afterward it took off, flying north across the landfill and out of sight.
About 4 Northern Harriers did their normal patrolling throughout the afternoon.
A male American Kestrel was once again seen in the trees along Transco Trail, and flew towards the Northeast over the landfill.
A Merlin was briefly seen perching in a tree atop the landfill, then flying low to the ground, heading west.
An adult Sharp-shinned Hawk was seen hunting along the top of the landfill, and even briefly hovered at a low height like a harrier!
An adult and juvenile Red-tailed Hawk were spotted late in the day around the retention pond.
Also late in the day, an adult Peregrine Falcon was seen diving at a Northern Harrier over the Erie Landfill by Harrier Meadow. The Peregrine dove at the Harrier a number of times before flying west over Disposal Rd. toward the PSE&G station.
Lastly, a muskrat made an appearance around the Transco Trail gate and foraged in the immediate area for a few minutes.
Attached is a picture of the muskrat. Nice of it to stop and pose, just wish the lighting was better!
Popularity has its downside, too.
The picture does not make justice to this incredible animal. No one in this building would come close to being able to afford a coat like that. Was it really a happy meal?