SuburbanMaryland,Outside DC: Need Hawk ID Help (1 Viewer)

[rwpierce]

These shots were taken on Monday in suburban Maryland outside of D.C.

Best guess is Juvenile Red -shouldered Hawk feasting on a local gray squirrel.
Lack of belly band for Red-tailed, etc.
Any ID confirmation would be helpful.
Thanks

 

[bcl05]

I think I do see a belly band. Red tail for me. Looks too big and hulking for a red-shouldered.

 

[rwpierce]

Thanks. I guess I do see a little of what might be a belly band on the lower part of the belly. I just wasn't sure that the band was distinctive enough for Red-tailed. It certainly now looks a little more bulky than I first thought.
I had ruled out Rough-legged as well because it does not have the front streaking-is that correct as well.
Thanks again.

 

[bcl05]

Yes - definitely not a rough-legged. Pattern is all wrong, but also doesn't have "rough legs." Rough-legged hawks have feathers all the way down their legs - giving them their name.