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Birding/Black Hawk sighting?

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Expert: Julia Booth - 3/3/2009


Question
I live in Northampton County, PA, not far from Allentown. Today I saw a hawk-sized black bird fly over my ducks while they were in our small pond. The body appeared to be all black, and he had a bright red hooked beak. He didn't make any sounds, and he was alone. When I saw him, it was 3:30 in the afternoon. Could you identify this bird? I've lived here for 20 years and have never seen anything like it. Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Given your location, description and the time of day, I'd say Turkey Vulture. That's the only "all black" bird of prey you'll see in PA and it's the only one with a red beak. Technically the beak is white and the head is red. But from 100 feet, it looks like the beak is red as well.

They typically only feed on dead flesh. So as long as none of your ducks are dead or dying, you should be okay. But they will go scouting for animals that look like they're close to dying as well. So keep any of your injured ducks indoors.

Hope this helps,

Julia

Birding

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Julia Booth

Expertise

I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.

Experience

I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.

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Audubon Society

Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.

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