Hawk ID

[Julie M.]

Hey Guys,

I don't often see most of Colorado's vast array of raptors, so often their ID can still elude me. Being at work, I only have a camera phone. Therefore, the quality of the pictures are not fantastic. However, the coloration is still accurate (the underbelly and underwing don't have strong contrast, if any, from the white).

This was taken in Thornton, Colorado today and I have seen this raptor around for weeks. I could never get close enough to accurately view any markings or shape, really, so this was neat. Too bad the pictures aren't great. There are normally three Red-tailed Hawks around the property, but this one always stays solo. I don't see the typical "shoulder" markings when it's in flight, nor does the tail have any rust.

My first inkling was perhaps a Ferruginous, but I would think it'd be a pretty small one. Thoughts?

Here are the pictures I was able to nab:

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/FireMaster13Deviant/Birds/20140309_135152_zpsdc49ce73.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/FireMaster13Deviant/Birds/20140309_135155_zps757b9b09.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/FireMaster13Deviant/Birds/20140309_135157_zps604953e5.jpg

Julie Martinez

Littleton, CO

[David Wade]

Hi Julie, my initial impression is you have a Prairie Falcon in your photos.

David Wade

Fort Collins CO

[Cathy Sheeter]

I don't agree. It looks like a pale immature Ferruginous Hawk to me. It appears to have a heavy barrel chested look, totally unmarked underparts, and mostly pale head without the typical Prairie Falcon tear marking.

Of course better photos would help, but this does not appear to be a Falcon to me.

[Chip Clouse]

The eyes seem to be facing forward so I thought it was a male Northern Harrier.

Chip Clouse

Olde Town Arvada

On Mon, Mar 10, 2014 at 10:38 PM, Cathy Sheeter <cr...@yahoo.com> wrote:

I don't agree.  It looks like a pale immature Ferruginous Hawk to me.  It appears to have a heavy barrel chested look, totally unmarked underparts, and mostly pale head without the typical Prairie Falcon tear marking.

Of course better photos would help, but this does not appear to be a Falcon to me.

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