ML618796383

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Was in VC parking lot when word broke an alleged MIKI was observed on Woodland Nature Trail heading north. Took out scope and began scanning the TUVUs over the VC. Another birder pointed out a small kettle forming with several raptors and got on them. Immediately was drawn to a smaller, dark raptor, with tapered, pointed wings. This bird looked much different than the identifiable RTHAs, BWHAs and TUVUs it was with - it was smaller, longer winged and darker overall, but in complete shilouette. The group came closer and the bird was soaring north the majority of viewing. It swung around south briefly but returned, continuing north. The kettle got relatively close to VC parking lot and at this point a banded tail with multiple black and white bands (thicker white band at base) was visible. Four “fingers” were prominently visible, with the last primary noticeably shorter and out-stretched. It then banked and I could see some brownish/orange colouration on the breast. I called out that this could be a BWHA based on this observation and continued to track the bird. I believe I was the only one with a scope and called out the location of the bird to the rest of the group viewing from the VC parking lot. I recall we (the group tracking this bird) kept commenting how long winged and tapered/pointy the wings appeared. The bird eventually turned south and carried below the tree-line and was lost. I looked up and realized the size of the group that had gathered (10+)and noted a local experienced guide was behind me. We exchanged observations and he was not immediately convinced it was the MIKI, nor were we sure the birds we were commenting on had got mixed up, but we both agreed on how long winged one of the birds was. I recall mentioning a possibility for SWHA (although the size did not seem correct) but he was not sure it was this species either. The BOC photo attached is NOT mine and was taken by another individual viewing the hawks in the kettle. I cannot confirm the bird in this photo was definitely the bird I was tracking, but this photo seemed like a good fit on the profile I was observing. This was immediately shown to the guide and he indicated this looked very much like a MIKI. This photo was shown later to other experienced birders who immediately said this was a BWHA. Attached will be a sketch of my view in the scope, which lasted approximately 10-15 minutes. Others viewing the bird indicate they saw a white head. I could not make out this detail while viewing. Whatever this bird was, this was a very exciting and memorable moment at Pelee! Even if this was most likely a BWHA.

Technical information

Model

iPhone 13 Pro

Lens

iPhone 13 Pro back triple camera 1.57mm f/1.8

ISO

50

Focal length

1.6 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.8

Shutter speed

1/99 sec

Dimensions

4032 pixels x 3024 pixels

Original file size

2.28 MB