Hi..Anyone help me identify a raptor?

[para7383]

Hi,
Just signed up. Yesterday a raptor(hawk??) rested itself in my orange tree. A while later, a second appeared, either its mate or sibling. I think they were eyeing the squirrels. I have no idea what it is. I video taped it and made a composite picture(lot of leaves blocking single shot of it). It came out fair.
Could anyone help. Thanks a lot in advance.-Peter

[Andrew Rowlands]

Hi Peter, Welcome to Birdforum, from all the moderators and other staff here!

I'd say you had a Buteo species there (Red-tailed Hawk or one of a number of related species) but my knowledge of Buteos in North America is pretty poor :)!

Sure someone will pin down its' ID pretty quick :t:.

Cheers,

Andy.

[KCFoggin]

Hello Para and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum :t:

If the color on the shoulder is a true color that I am seeing, I would go with Red-shouldered Hawk. Let's see what others have to say.

[para7383]

Hi,
Thank you for helping. I heard it screeching , so it might be back again. I'll look up some pics now that I know at least it's a hawk. Almost thought I had a falcon here, but my experience with raptors or any of the birds is limited. This week alone I had a pair of wood storks, herons, and a bald(from the neck) up cardinal. All other cardinal offsprings were ok. I have a small decorative fish pond in backyard. I think heron spotted it from aloft. The wood cranes hang out in neighborhood.
Thanks again,
Peter

[KCFoggin]

If it is a red-shouldered, they are extremely voiceferous ;) Check out this link below and click on "listen" for their call

http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/view_default.asp?allSpecies=y&searchText=red-shouldered%20hawk

[para7383]

Hi,
I checked out some photos of Red shoulder hawks. That's the one! I have a small back yard, but a lot of squirrels, snakes, frogs, and fish. They're happy hunters here. I also listened to the sounds from site you suggested. It's a match except they were extremely load(maybe because I was only 10 ft. away). Thanks so much.
Peter

[para7383]

Obviously that should be LOUD not load

[KCFoggin]

Oh yeah, they are very loud. I am surrounded by their calls on a daily basis and eventually I learn to shut them out ;)

[salty]

hello, welcome to bird forum!

[para7383]

Thank you all for your help. It's well appreciated. And thanks for the welcome.
Nice to meet new friends. If you ever visit Florida, let me know. I may be able to provide a couple Disney passes. (tons of birds there too). :flyaway:

[Mark Bruce]

Hi Peter,
Welcome and hello fromTaiwan.

[Talon 1]

Wecome mate!