Black-shouldered Spinylegs at Stonecliffe, Renfrew County

[Bill Lamond]

Hi,

One 3^rd October I saw a female Black-shouldered Spinylegs at the Stonecliffe Cemetery in Renfrew County. This is the latest I have ever seen one by close to 3 weeks. Surprisingly it was in good condition with no wing damage and the thorax was still fairly light. 

When I first saw it I was without my net so I hurried back to the cabin to get my net to capture the individual for a photograph. I was just about to net it when it flew up, caught something, and then flew even higher up in the canopy (20 feet) to consume it. I watched this through binoculars and I could see that the Spinylegs had caught a meadowhawk, mostly likely Autumn as there were several in the cemetery. I waited for the Spinylegs to finish the meal thinking it would come back down afterwards and into my net. I was getting impatient as it was taking a long time and it then occurred to me that I could take a picture through my scope, which I did. Not a very good photo but diagnostic notwithstanding.

take care all,

Bill