immature buteo of some sort? (1 Viewer)

[Craig Houghton]

immature buteo of some sort? CT, USA

I wish I had some better shots, especially an overhead, but until tomorrow this will have to suffice. This bird was sighted in Cheshire CT, USA

This beauty was travelling with a partner, but I failed to get a shot or a good look. The day before yesterday I think I saw this fellow from a distance, but the pics are just too blurry to bother with. Nonetheless, I am hoping he/she returns to the area.

For comparison, this bird looked larger than most of the red-tails I've been seeing in the area lately. I'm recalling a flap or two then a downward arch into a straight-wing in flight, but most of the time my view was obscured.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks,
Craig

 

[cavan wood]

That dark belly band is fairly distinctive for red-tails (but isn't always present). Can't really tell if the tail is still striped (immature) or not. The eye is darkish, but wait for the experts to talk about age. Next time you see one of these flying, watch for the dark leading edge on the inner half of the undewing, which is characteristic for red-tails of all ages.

Scott

 

[Craig Houghton]

That dark belly band is fairly distinctive for red-tails (but isn't always present). Can't really tell if the tail is still striped (immature) or not. The eye is darkish, but wait for the experts to talk about age. Next time you see one of these flying, watch for the dark leading edge on the inner half of the undewing, which is characteristic for red-tails of all ages.

Scott

The streaked belly and the bit of a belly band made me think red-tailed, but after looking through the scope at the grayish head and unmarked tail of this fellow, it didn't seem to fit.

I've attached a close up of the tail, but the photo was already a super-crop. Also, for what it's worth, I just found him in another photo I'd thought was an empty shot.

-Craig

 

[Katy Penland]

Don't see anything that makes me think this isn't a Red-tail.

Looking at the tail from the underside can be very difficult to see the rufous coloring and can look unbanded as well. I also wouldn't put too much store in shades of brown or gray on the head plumage (or anywhere else for that matter); Red-tails are probably the most variable hawk in North America. Frequently birds seen in winter can look much larger than normal due to fluffed feathers.

 

[AlexC]

Agree, Red-tailed Hawk.

 

[JANJ]

RTH, adult or near adult, for the same reasons mentioned by Katy.

Check:
http://www.pbase.com/gaocus/hawks

JanJ

 

[Craig Houghton]

Thank you everyone! After looking through a diversity of hawk-shots on the web instead of relying solely on my guides and limited first-hand sightings, I see exactly what you mean! I'm also, a bit embarrassed that I allowed myself to overlook that belly-band.

Thanks again!
Craig

 

[cavan wood]

Thank you everyone! After looking through a diversity of hawk-shots on the web instead of relying solely on my guides and limited first-hand sightings, I see exactly what you mean! I'm also, a bit embarrassed that I allowed myself to overlook that belly-band.

Thanks again!
Craig

This is a great place to learn all these subtle variations, especially with birds of prey, gulls, and shorebirds. I've gotten pretty good at distinguishing between sharp-shinned and cooper's hawks, largely because of the bird id threads, and I've been able to apply what I've learned to the birds in my area. No need for embarassment. Mistakes are the best teachers.

Scott

 

[Katy Penland]

No need for embarassment. Mistakes are the best teachers.

I'll second that, and I'm speaking from experience. I think my photo ID rate here in the forum is something like 50% right, 30% wrong, 20% haven't a clue.

 

[mrpjdavis]

I'll second that, and I'm speaking from experience. I think my photo ID rate here in the forum is something like 50% right, 30% wrong, 20% haven't a clue.

A success rate of 50%? In my dreams! But I'm working on it!
Pete