Santa Cruz, California Hawk (1 Viewer)

[vbnut]

I took these photos in the early afternoon on 2021-10-21 near the lighthouse on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California. Red-shouldered or Red-tailed (or ...)?

Thanks for your help.

 

[rkj]

I am not seeing any photos.

 

[vbnut]

Oops, I was in too big a hurry and forgot to add the photos.
I can't see any way to add the photos now. Do I need to create a new thread?

 

[njlarsen]

Oops, I was in too big a hurry and forgot to add the photos.
I can't see any way to add the photos now. Do I need to create a new thread?

When you reply, there is a symbol looking like a small photo. Click that allows you to attach. Or use the attach files square below the field where you type your answer.
Niels

 

[vbnut]

 

[rkj]

Red-tailed Hawk - note the dark bar on the leading edge of the wing and dark band across the belly.

 

[Microtus]

I agree with Red-tailed Hawk.

 

[vbnut]

Thanks folks. I was uncertain because the belly band isn't as distinct as I'm used too.

 

[Butty]

the belly band isn't as distinct as I'm used too

If it's visible (it very often is, as here), the dark leading edge to the inner part of the underwing is much the most clear-cut and unmistakable ID feature.

 

[vbnut]

If it's visible (it very often is, as here), the dark leading edge to the inner part of the underwing is much the most clear-cut and unmistakable ID feature.

Always nice to learn something. Thanks.