I am notoriously bad on raptors, but I don't think this is a harrier (famous
last words) and Swainson's (which is quite variable) fits pretty well. I think
it has scrunched its wings a bit for a power glide. This is the right time of
year for Swainson's.
Alan Contreras
Eugene, Oregon
acontrer56@xxxxxxxxx
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 18, 2017, at 10:14 AM, Eric Carlson <carl8630@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I was out bird watching today at the base of Rocky Butte and remembered that
I should look up every once in a while, 'cause that's where the birds are.
Lucky me, I found one, but I'm not sure what it is.
(link below and photo attached)
https://ericarlson.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/20170418-_t9a9477.jpg?w=238
Coloration on body looks right for a Northern Harrier, but wings don't quite
look right and its tail appears too short
Body shape looks right for Swainson's, but it isn't a color morph my Sibley's
guide has, and this is not a bird I have seen more than a handful of times.
I'm stumped, and I would really appreciate another opinion (or several).
Migration is here!
ERIC
<20170418-_T9A9477.jpg>
