Hawks in the distance: Ottawa, ON (1 Viewer)

[Gillian_M]

While birding in an agricultural area in the east end of Ottawa this morning I saw many raptors. I just couldn't get close enough to ID them, though. I don't know if it's possible to ID these two birds with the photos I have, but I thought I'd ask.

The first bird was perched on a fencepost, before we scared it by driving too slowly. It landed in the field then stayed there for a bit before it took off. I have one shot of it in the process of taking off, and several in the field with its back to me.

The second bird is quite dark but seems to have a white "bib". It was perched in a distant tree. The first photo is 100% while the second is zoomed in at 120%.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jacamar]

Hi Gillian
#1-2 : Northern Harrier
#3-4 : Rough-legged Hawk

 

[bitterntwisted]

I think Jacamar is right.

 

[ceasar]

I agree.

The 1st picture looks like a Female Marsh Hawk or Harrier, if you will. She has a grey back.

Bob

 

[Gillian_M]

Thanks, all! I'm really glad to have photographed the Harrier. I keep looking for the facial disks to confirm the ID and I never seem to have a good enough photo to see them!

What are the diagnostic features in these photos?

For the Harrier, is it just the grey back on the Harrier (though I thought it was the males who were grey)? My field guide also mentions the white rump and black wingtips which are visible in the flight photo.

Thanks - your info is always appreciated!

 

[B Lagopus]

I agree with Jacamar, Bitterntwisted and Bob that the first bird is a Northern Harrier, and the 2nd is a Rough-legged Hawk.

The gray head on the Harrier tells us that it is either an adult or subadult male. Note as well the weak auricular "disk", a female would have a distinct pale fringe. The weak spectacles around the eyes is a good indicator that the bird is a fully adult male (hatched in 2004 or before), rather than a subadult (hatched in 2005).

The crisp black terminal band on the tail of the Rough-legged Hawk tells us that it is not a 2006 bird, and the dark belly tells us it is not an adult male. It is likely a female, but could possibly be a subadult male.

 

[ceasar]

You're right. My memory ain't what it should be. It's the male that is grey.
Humbly yrs,
Bob :brains: