Raptor from California (1 Viewer)

[Lanhua]

I think it's Red-tailed Hawk. Can anyone confirm this.
The photo was taken near Davis California, November this year.

 

[MelospizaMelodiaFan]

Yes, classic RTH. Dark underside of the leading edge of the wing at the shoulder, belly band.

 

[Lanhua]

and this one as well?

 

[KenM]

I’d have said yes, that’s one big bill.😮

Cheers

 

[nartreb]

second one: yes, almost certainly. Strong belly band or "cummerbund" pattern on the belly; tail pattern fits. Hawks are so variable that I'd rather see the red tail (if adult) or the patagial bar (wing underside) but it looks quite good. The big bill also fits. (Definitely rules out red-shouldered for example.) I think I see unusually bright yellow at the gape (inner corner of "lips"), which might indicate it's a very young bird. Filename seems to indicate this was also taken in November, so that seems slightly unlikely, but maybe in California they breed later than I'm used to.

 

[Butty]

Both (certainly) red-tailed hawks, for the reasons given above. First adult, second immature - tail-pattern, in both cases.

 

[Lanhua]

Thanks, I've learned a lot about American Hawks