Seven of us met this misty Autumn morning in November to bird Okehocking Preserve, an Important Bird Area in Willistown Township, Chester County. The week’s weather system had mostly passed through, leaving us with the faintest drizzle and overcast skies. We birded about 3 hours, finding 35 species in the varied habitat of woods, field and the riparian area of Ridley Creek meandering through the property. Several Great Blue Herons flushed near the creek, reminding Dan of Tinicum. Fox Sparrows were a major highlight, several of them perched close and singing their lovely melodies. Swamp, Song and White-throated Sparrows were also numerous. (Field Sparrows should be there, but we didn’t find any). A Pileated Woodpecker called then flew down the path to the delight of the few who saw it. Eastern Bluebirds were numerous in the trees near the fields and private residence. We studied a flock of Cedar Waxwings with muddy plumage.

The most intriguing bird went unidentified. Jeff saw it circle around, land on a high branch, and perch for long minutes. After we all got on it, we remained stumped on the I.D. It was a very small bird, and we wondered if it was even a raptor. Finally we saw it’s banded tail, alternating ivory and dark bands of even widths. We could see white spots on a dark back. Sibley doesn’t show any raptors with white spots – was this a juvenile characteristic? The bird flew off with rapid wing beats, landing deeper in the woods but still in sight. I saw a long narrow tail, still a very small bird. It’s last move was to fly over our heads low and fast. With seven eyes following it, we still could not decide – was it a Sharp-shinned Hawk? A Merlin? It seemed very small and very dark. There was no consensus, but fun to think about.

Thanks to everyone for making this new trip a success.