Birds of the Lower Ohio River Valley in West Virginia

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OSPREY, EAGLES, HARRIER, ACCIPITERS, BUTEOS

Red-tailed Hawk  Buteo jamaicensis

WINTER:  Fairly Common to Common Resident.  See Remarks section for CBC data.

SUMMER:  Fairly Common Resident.

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Uncommon Migrant during late February and March.  Data for migration dates is lacking.

 Fall:  Uncommon to Fairly Common Migrant.  Slack (1987) indicates migration in October and November.  See Remarks section for high counts.

REMARKS:

Fall High Counts:  38 on 24 October 2004 at Ohio River Mile 296, Lesage, Cabell Co., WV.

Color Phase:  One dark phase on 22 January 1999 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA, MG).

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT DATA

Huntington, WV (1940 to 2001):        Recorded on   64% of Counts.  Total Birds:  235.  Range:  1 to 26.
Mason County, WV (1953 to 1976):  Recorded on   78% of Counts.  Total Birds:    56.  Range:  1 to 19.
Ona, WV (1962 to 2001):                  Recorded on 100% of Counts.  Total Birds:  441.  Range:  1 to 34.

Huntington, WV (1940 to 2001):        Number of Counts:  61.  Birds/Party Hr.:  <1.0.  Party Hr./Bird:  12.8.
Mason County, WV (1953 to 1976):  Number of Counts:  18.  Birds/Party Hr.:  <1.0.  Party Hr./Bird:    6.3.
Ona, WV (1962 to 2001):                  Number of Counts:  40.  Birds/Party Hr.:  <1.0.  Party Hr./Bird:    4.1.