I was frankly surprised when I looked at my yard list and saw I was missing the Red-tailed Hawk.
We've had all the accipiters - Sharp-shinned, Cooper's and even Northern Goshawk. And we are lucky to be in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains where we can enjoy migrating raptors in the thermals overhead. We mostly see (or are able to identify) Broad-winged Hawks, and even had a nice fly-by visit from one. Broad-wings are known to inhabit mixed and deciduous woods like where I live.
Broad-winged Hawk
But until this week, I can't say I've positively identified a Red-tail Hawk in the skies over my house. But a clear, repeated "keeerr-r-r keeerr-r-r" tipped me off to its presence overhead.
Yard Bird #94 - Red-tailed Hawk
It gave me a fairly good look, good enough for me to see its characteristic belly band and its kind of beat up tail.
The Red-tailed Hawk become yard bird #94, and my second new yard bird of the year!
Ellen, I wish I was better at overhead hawks; I might have more on my list.
Margaret, sounds like you're better at overhead hawk ID than I am.
Barbara, Start! Right now! It's fun to do, it's interesting, and I think you'll be surprised how many you have! Let me know if you do, okay?
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | June 13, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Both beautiful images Nancy - congratulations - interesting that here in Central Ontario Broad Wings are more rare and Red Tails plentiful. Love seeing your photos. And though I've watched birds most of my life have never had a count of how many I've seen - guess I should start!
Posted by: Barbara | June 13, 2012 at 08:35 AM
Beautiful! I've heard the BW around recently, but it's been a while since I've had one sail through the yard. Your second photo especially showcases the RT's "meaty" secondaries, which can help to ID the bird even at a distance.
Posted by: Margaret | June 13, 2012 at 07:12 AM
Nice addition! My latest yard bird is Common Raven. I have a long way to go in terms of raptors!
Posted by: Ellen | June 12, 2012 at 02:49 PM