12 Northern Harrier or Mississippi Kite flyovers Cherry Creek SP.

[Ben S]

Hi all - 

went to Cherry Creek State Park. Highlights were the continueing immature Mew Gull at the marina, teal/shoveler quadfecta at the bird observation platform, and a Pectoral Sandpiper also at the observation platform. A good day for Barn Swallows, also. In all, I estimate 150, and that is low. Lastly, there were a group of about 12 hawks flying over Prairie Loop, heading south. In my scope, they were silhouetted in the evening light, and size was impossible to judge. However, they were long tailed and had had somewhat pointed wings; too much so to be a buteo or TV. I think this narrows it down between the Northern Harriers and Mississippi Kites (sounds like a football match). I have heard of Mississippi Kites gathering in large groups. Are Northern Harriers known to gather in groups this size, and do they migrate in Colorado? Overall, assuming both species are concivable in Arapahoe County, which species in more consistent with the hawks' behavior?

Ben Sampson 

Centennial, Co