[TN-Bird] Ferruginous Hawk ID update
- From: Michael Todd <birder1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: TN Birds <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:24:42 -0700 (PDT)
This ID has been nagging several of us since yesterday. Thanks to some good ID
photos that were obtained by one of the observers early yesterday morning, the
bird in question appears to be a pale, immature Red-tail; quite possibly a
large
female. The tail has multiple very narrow dark bands, the back is heavily
mottled. The photos are all from the rear, and other marks aren't visible in
the
shots. I saw some images the original observers had captured yesterday while I
was there, but only on the small screen of their camera. This bird appears to
be
the same bird for the reasons I mentioned.
Some things about the bird are odd, such as the reported total lack of a
patagial, and the feathered tarsi, though I think this wasn't 100% positive at
the time, and can be very hard to tell for sure without a great look. The very
long-range looks we had late morning left much to be desired, even though I
would have been suspicious of the bird in the air as a Ferruginous even had it
not been reported; I had already decided to retract my call on the bird just
due
to distance and lack of any details visible. It is odd that it was able to fool
people familiar with Ferruginous with its shape and flight style.
Of course, there is a small chance that the bird photographed yesterday wasn't
the same bird as seen initially, but I think they are one in the same. It would
be interesting to see some photos of the bird in flight, and I may try to get
back over there yet. Or better yet, for someone to get some photos of a
Ferruginous there!
Just wanted to get word out in case others were still contemplating a chase.
Good Birding!!
Mike Todd
McKenzie, TN
birder1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.pbase.com/mctodd
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