Observations by derekrogers

*Scarce. Soaring north along Middle Road and at a fairly low altitude. Only studied and photographed from below, so, no view of upperparts. Large, dark eagle with smaller head projection than the more common Bald Eagle, and with sides of golden nape clearly visible. Dark below with some golden spangling on chest. Presumed subadult based on the shape of the primaries, as well as the barred pattern on inner primaries. Limited, but some white at the base of the rectrices seems to suggest this bird is not quite a full adult. Heavily worn right wing with also some wear on the primary tips of left wing.

Scarce outside of this context. Stunning adult with very pale primaries. Smaller than nearby Herring Gulls and with slightly paler gray mantle. Short, stout yellowish bill with red gony spot. Iris appeared pale yet cloudy on this individual and with slight brown smudging on face and neck.

Scarce migrant on Lake Champlain but on the heels of a recent organized lake pelagic out of VT that documented an adult Parasitic Jaeger as well as a juv Long-tailed. Today's sightings included two observations of juvenile Parasitic Jaeger exactly 20 minutes apart, 9:39 AM and 9:59 AM, respectively. Careful review of images indicate both sightings were of the same individual.

While chumming a tailing flock of gulls, a juvenile Parasitic Jaeger blasted into view from the east. Prior to seeing the jaeger, our trailing gulls scattered like a panicked flock of shorebirds. The jaeger singled out and aggressively pursued a Ring-billed Gull before circling back and making several passes by the boat allowing for excellent views and photography. The jaeger eventually peeled away and headed south before we lost sight of it. 20 minutes later, it reappeared for another go around, pursuing a couple more Ring-billed Gulls, before headed east towards Vermont.

Intermediate-type Parasitic Jaeger (high degree of variation in juvenile color morphs) showing 4-5 white primary shafts on upper wing, which eliminates Long-tailed Jaeger. In addition, the central rectrices are short and pointed, easily eliminating juvenile Long-tailed and Pomarine Jaegers. Overall size was comparable to the Ring-billed Gulls in which is pursued. Fortunately, the bird presented itself nicely and I was able to secure a number of images that corroborate these clinching field marks.