Hawk (?) in California - ID Help, please... (1 Viewer)

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Hockey.Lover

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #1

I took these two photos today in Fremont, California (SF Bay Area). I have looked at my Sibley's guide, but can't seem to figure out what this bird might be. There were two flying around at the same time together, so I don't know if this is the same bird in each shot, but I believe it is the same species. I got several shots of them and only one somewhat focused of the backside which is included for ID purposes.

I was so in awe watching these birds soar and dive...it was breathtaking!!

Any help with the Id would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Gail

 

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lvn600

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #2

Northern Harrier-Note the dark head in pic 1 and distinct white rump patch in Picture 2.

 

Last edited: Mar 11, 2007

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danehower

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #3

Hey gail , that bird has to be a northern Harrier. Great bird - and great photos:t: - I have been seeing a couple around my local patch lately also -

 

H

Hockey.Lover

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #4

lvn600 said:

Northern Harrier

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Wow. Thanks! I was looking at another bird that I had photographed and it was very light and I think it is a Harrier (photo attached), but didn't really look too closely at the darker Harriers in Sibleys. Duh!!

 

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H

Hockey.Lover

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #5

danehower said:

Hey gail , that bird has to be a northern Harrier. Great bird - and great photos:t: - I have been seeing a couple around my local patch lately also -

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Thanks dane!!

 

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lvn600

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #6

Very nice pics of a great bird!

 

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danehower

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #7

Wow Gail ! - That is an awsome photo - pretty sure that is a male - he looks like a jet fighter ! Very dramatic shot - wouldnt want to be a little critter in the grass looking up at that |8.| :eek!:

 

JMomOhio

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #8

Excellent photos! I'm going to have to find out what kind of cameras everyone here uses. I'm needing something with a better zoom to capture the beautiful birds here.

 

AlexC

Aves en Los Ángeles

Opus Editor

• Mar 11, 2007

• #9

Nice shots! I agree on Northern Harrier - a 2CY female - Orange glow on breast and under-wing coverts indicates a young bird, which, when accompanied by the dark breast-streaking and pale, yellowish iris of an adult female, would indicate a transitioning female. In post #4, your bird is an adult male.

EDIT: Ack! Forgive my brain fart - females tend to be buffy/orangey - it's too early for a harrier to be transitioning anyway. This is an adult female. 3+ CY. MY BAD. :stuck:

 

Last edited: Mar 11, 2007

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Hockey.Lover

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #10

Thanks Larry and Dane.

JMomOhio, I am using a Canon Rebel XT with a Tamron 18-200 lens. I don't know a whole lot about cameras. My boyfriend is the pro. I just want something that isn't too hard to use and takes good shots. Hope that helps.

 

H

Hockey.Lover

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #11

Alex, thank you so much! You have so much knowledge!! I appreciate all the details you give in the explanation.

 

AlexC

Aves en Los Ángeles

Opus Editor

• Mar 11, 2007

• #12

Hockey.Lover said:

Alex, thank you so much! You have so much knowledge!! I appreciate all the details you give in the explanation.

Click to expand...

:stuck: :stuck: :stuck:

ACK. Check my edited post.

No biggy I guess. Mistakes are part of the business...

 

H

Hockey.Lover

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #13

overworkedirish said:

:stuck: :stuck: :stuck:

ACK. Check my edited post.

No biggy I guess. Mistakes are part of the business...

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No problem, I got a kick out of what you said. I am just very happy that you are here to provide this great info!! Thanks, Alex.

 

JMomOhio

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2007

• #14

Hockey.Lover said:

Thanks Larry and Dane.

JMomOhio, I am using a Canon Rebel XT with a Tamron 18-200 lens. I don't know a whole lot about cameras. My boyfriend is the pro. I just want something that isn't too hard to use and takes good shots. Hope that helps.

Click to expand...

Great! Thanks for this info! I'm going to check them out! Unless a bird lands very close, taking a pic is a waste of time. This will be great!