Very Light Morph Red-tailed Hawk

[mymantra]

I've been trying to get a good picture of this particular bird (I actually have some in-flight shots in my gallery). Today the opportunity presented itself, unfortunately I only got off two shots before it flew. The settings were not quite right on my camera, resulting in some blown highlights, which I fixed as best I could. Oh, well, there's always tomorrow :)

[Tammie]

Still a pretty good shot considering!

[bcurrie]

Still, a very pretty bird.

[mymantra]

I found him (her probably) again on the way home from work, here's another shot from my gallery:
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/data/525/934dscn6529_copy800.jpg

[Wingwatcher]

These are both great shots, Paul.

[Beverlybaynes]

Beautiful bird!

I've only seen two very pale red-tails in my life, both in 2002. And the expert birder who was with me (when I saw the first one; I was alone for the second) referred to them as Krider's Red-Tails.

[mymantra]

Thanks All, and Beverly - thanks for the info! I've never heard of this.

[galvan]

Very nice shots Paul.

It's always nice to see the variations nature produces to keep us homo sapiens on our toes.

[Candice]

Paul,
Having the good fortune to witness Red-tailed Hawks all over the nation and about half a dozen Krider, I think perhaps this may be a Krider x Eastern. All the Kriders I have seen had super pale tails, nearly white or very light colored heads and no belly band to speak of. There may of been a very few spots on the sides, but nothing more. Regardless, this is a very nice photo and one you can be poud of!

[Beverlybaynes]

Thanks for pointing that out, Candice. I thought that the head seemed a touch dark, but since both my views of Krider's have been brief, I hesitated. But Krider's is what I thought of. They are just breathtaking to see!

[mymantra]

You may very well be right Candice, as there are certainly quite a few of the Eastern variety around. There are also a few other strange morphs in the area. This one, for example, has a very white face:
http://www.pbase.com/image/8263792.jpg

While the one I have attached doesn't, but has a very pale tale.
I really appreciate the opinions of all the people with more birding experience than I. Which includes just about anyone!3:-)

[Beverlybaynes]

You must live in a very special place, Paul, to be seeing so many beautiful raptors!

I surely enjoy your photos!

[paula]

Love pictures Paul, I like the second one best; nice pose and you can see its feathers better. Well done