Oh sure we see them flying/soaring way up in the sky. What a nice surprise. I just wonder what unfortunate creature paid the ultimate sacrifice to get this visitor this close. Not sure what Hawk variety this is but I think its a Coopers. This picture does not do this birds massive size any justice.
Wow...awesome and beautiful!
Hi DWR,
Welcome to the Bird Watching Forum! (if I hadn't mentioned it before).
Great pic of that beautiful Hawk! 40 feet from your patio! Wow! That's a big bird!
Marilyn
I'll take a stab at it.
Swainsons Hawk
Lets see what Resin says. :-)
BTW, Beautiful pic !!
This message was edited Dec 18, 2007 2:58 PM
Definitely a Buteo; I'd say probably immature Red-tailed Hawk, southwestern race.
Resin
Resin, I agree. A young red-tail. (Too large to be a Coopers).
jo
He's handsome, love his brown face and ruffled feathers.
After doing some internet research I have to agree about being a Red tailed. When he left the fence his wing span had to be 5-6 feet across. What a thrill to see him that close....
Thanks all!
Here is another photo!
Mighty pretty. Well Shot
D
DWR,
Wow! 5 to 6 feet wide! Amazing! That last pic is fantastic! Beautiful Hawk! He/she looks pretty comfortable standing on your railing! ;-)
We live a few miles from the international airport here (DH is an Airline Capt. for an Airline) and as we drive past one of the runways, we like to look for the Red Tailed Hawks that sit on the barbed wire that surrounds the airport. DH says he seen the Red Tails sitting on taxiway signs when he in the jet!
Marilyn
