ML267830291

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Understanding that there are just a few scattered known breeding locations in the NE US (NH, CT, NJ), and how late in the season this occurrence would be for this area, I nevertheless am submitting this observation as a MIKI. Viewed by two observers experienced at hawkwatching every fall. Bird appeared to the NW at medium altitude, soaring in an apparent thermal, drifted directly overhead and moved off to the SE. Did not flap its wings once during the two minutes it was in sight. Long wingspan relative to body length was very notable. Very small head projection, although tail was longer. Long, narrow wings that tapered at the "hands", both at the leading and trailing edge of the primaries, offering a blade-like appearance. Tail was pinched at the base and was fanned as it circled. When head-on to the viewers, the head was distinctly whitish/light gray compared to the upperparts. The barrel of the body appeared lighter as well, especially compared to the underside of the tail. There were no other birds in the thermal with it for size comparison. Eliminated all buteos and accipiters by basic shape. Falcon was considered, but dimensions were wrong for MERL and AMKE. PEFA (or PRFA) would have shown a bigger head, bulkier barrel, and broader wings at the wrist so discarded. We have observed MIKI twice previously and have seen them perched and in buoyant flight, steering with the tail, but not in a soar. Pencil drawing attached.

Technical information

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1080 pixels x 810 pixels

Original file size

44.28 KB