ML133129961

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

***Mega rarity; one of very few for the East; tempting to consider this possibly the same bird seen earlier in spring/summer in MA/NS. Reported first from hawk watch, then we spotted the bird high overhead at Coral Ave. Slim, blackish Buteo with contrasting paler flight feathers, recalling Turkey Vulture; tail with one prominent white subterminal band and a second thinner white band proximal to that; primaries and secondaries with narrow but distinct blackish tips. Bill and feet were visibly paler than body plumage. Undergoing primary molt with short/missing p5 on each wing. Aged as adult by tail pattern and dark-tipped flight feathers. In view for only a few minutes as it slowly circled high overhead, gaining altitude. Eventually got into a glide and headed offshore to the WSW. Departed Cape May Point at 10:55 am, and, amazingly, was spotted at the Cape Henlopen hawk watch (reported times range from 11:13 to 11:18 am).

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D

Lens

EF300mm f/4L IS USM

ISO

1000

Focal length

300 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/3200 sec

Dimensions

1500 pixels x 1001 pixels

Original file size

210.08 KB