Bald Eagle & Hawk

[DRC333]

Hello Everyone,

First post on the forum. I really enjoy seeing everyone's work and am looking forward to learn more from the group. Here are a couple of shots I have taken recently.

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Thank you for looking. As always suggestions and feedback is appreciated.
Dave

 

[Swampfox]

The second image is my favorite but it's not a Northern Harrier. It's one of the buteo hawks-perhaps one of the widespread Red-tailed Hawks-but not knowing where the image was taken I'm not going to bet the farm on that.

 

[DRC333]

The second image is my favorite but it's not a Northern Harrier. It's one of the buteo hawks-perhaps one of the widespread Red-tailed Hawks-but not knowing where the image was taken I'm not going to bet the farm on that.

Thank you for the comment. Shot was taken near Grand Junction CO. I moved here a couple of years ago from AZ. I‘m more familiar with Red Tails, Harris, Cooper and Black Hawks. It was not a Red Tail. Harriers and Red shoulder hawks are all new to me.

 

[raptor photo]

I also like the second shot. However, I'm pretty sure it's a red-tailed hawk.

 

[DRC333]

Here are a couple of more shots. While not sharp hope it helps in the proper ID. It didn't show the characteristic red tail which is why I did not think it was a Red Tail.

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[raptor photo]

Gotta be RTH or broad winged. Since we don't have BWH here, I don't really know how to tell the difference. Try posting on iNaturalist for good id.

 

[DRC333]

Gotta be RTH or broad winged. Since we don't have BWH here, I don't really know how to tell the difference. Try posting on iNaturalist for good id.

Using Cornell Lab Merlin ID app it is suggesting either Red Tail or Ferruginous Hawk.

 

[raptor photo]

Definitely not ferruginous.

 

[merlinator]

It’s a Red-tailed Hawk.

 

[DRC333]

Thank you everyone for the proper ID. I am used to seeing light and dark morph red tails but they have always had some kind of red in the tail. Is this a juvenile or just another twist on a light morph?

 

[Swampfox]

I think this is a juvenile Red-tailed. That species is one of the most variable in plumage out there. One of the highlights each winter here in NE TX/ SW AR where I live, bird and photograph is the discovery of one of the dark western races 'calurus'. They have a rufous chest as well as tail and are absolutely gorgeous when the sun hits them just right.

 

[raptor photo]

Thank you everyone for the proper ID. I am used to seeing light and dark morph red tails but they have always had some kind of red in the tail. Is this a juvenile or just another twist on a light morph?

Juvenile red-tails have no red on the tail.

 

[Rick S]

I think this is a juvenile Red-tailed. That species is one of the most variable in plumage out there. One of the highlights each winter here in NE TX/ SW AR where I live, bird and photograph is the discovery of one of the dark western races 'calurus'. They have a rufous chest as well as tail and are absolutely gorgeous when the sun hits them just right.

That would be my guess, a Juvie.

 

[DRC333]

Thank you for the information. It’s always a learning experience.