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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AlexC" data-source="post: 1221984" data-attributes="member: 27416">I must say, I'm SO GLAD to have seen this set of photos! It really does challenge birders on structure, not just field marks.Agree on an adult male Northern Harrier and an SY (second year, born spring 2007) Red-tailed Hawk. See attached photos.Photo1 is interesting because it presents a harrier from an angle we don't usually see them - no tilting V, eh? However, no other bird fits - yes Accipiters are known for long tails, but that is long tails with short wings. This higher ratio might point to Cooper's Hawk, but this is quickly discounted by the apparent jutting wrist and equally-lengthed rectrices - both characteristic of Sharpie. :eek!: Reevaluation time. Gillian mentioned marsh. Then we look at field marks pointed out by Jim - black wing-tips, light wings and belly - and I'll add black-fringed flight-feathers and the owl-like facial disc (structurally seen). All these point to not just any Northern Harrier, but an adult male - not a common sight vs. young ones and females!As for the Red-tailed, after brightening one photo patigal bands/bars and belly-bands can be seen (see attached). SY Red-tailed.</blockquote>