sialia (bird) sialis (bird)
Tuesday, November 20, 1979 — 2:30 pm
Conway, Arkansas — Happy Valley
I spotted these Eastern Bluebirds perched on a wire fence along the road. They frequently flitted down to the ground for a few seconds then flew back up to their perch on the fence.
colinus (quail) virginianus (of Virginia)
Tuesday, November 20, 1979 — 2:00 pm
Conway, Arkansas — Happy Valley
I was walking across the backyard when I flushed these Bobwhites. They came up out of the thick brush that lines the small, usually dry creek that cuts across the yard. Like rockets, they headed across the twenty feet of clearing and disappeared into the woods on the hillside.
cathartes (scavenger) aura (gold)
Tuesday, November 20, 1979 — 1:30 pm
Conway, Arkansas — Happy Valley
I spotted the Turkey Vulture circling high over the woods and fields in the valley. Its wings were held in a shallow “V” and, as it soared and banked, I could see the pale area on the trailing edges.
circus (circle, in air) cyaneus (dark blue)
Tuesday, November 20, 1979 — 1:15 pm
Conway, Arkansas — Sturgis Road
We were driving along Sturgis Road, just over the ridge from Happy Valley, when I saw the Harrier. It was flying low over a grassy field next to the road, white rump visible as it turned. I pulled over to the side of the road and watched it for a few minutes.
falco (hooked claws) sparverius (sparrow hawk)
Tuesday, November 20, 1979 — 11:15 am
Conway, Arkansas
I had noticed this bird flying around the neighborhood off and on during the morning, but I had no idea what it was. I finally spotted it perched on a wire in the front yard near the driveway and got a chance to identify it.
