Helpful Posts Helpful Posts:  0
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Please identify this raptor

  1. #1

    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    northern Virginia suburb of Washington, DC
    Posts
    19,064

    Please identify this raptor

    I don't shoot birds and I know less than nothing about raptors. Even so, when one plops down on a branch in my backyard, even I know enough to get out my 300mm lens (my longest glass).

    Please identify it at least as a hawk, falcon, or whatever even if it's not possible to be more specific. I wonder if it helps to know that it's flying around northern Virginia, USA. Thanks in advance!


    Please identify this raptor


    Please identify this raptor
    Last edited by Mike Buckley; 20th January 2013 at 11:04 PM.

  2. #2
    jeeperman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Seattle Washington
    Posts
    3,550
    Real Name
    Paul

    Re: Please identify this raptor

    Looks to be a cooper's hawk from what I can see, Mike.

    Six species of hawks nest in Virginia: red-tailed, red-shouldered, broad-winged, Cooper's, sharp-shinned, and the Northern harrier. The red-tailed hawk is perhaps the one with which most people are familiar, as it is commonly seen perched along roads and interstate highways, especially during the winter months. Red-tailed along with red-shouldered and broad-winged, are known as buteo hawks. Buteos typically soar in high circles and have long, broad wings and rounded, fan-like tails. Broad-winged hawks, more commonly seen in the western Piedmont and mountains, are famous and unique among raptors for migrating in large groups known as kettles, with numbers often recorded in the thousands.

    Snipet copied from here, Mike. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/birds/raptors/

  3. #3

    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    northern Virginia suburb of Washington, DC
    Posts
    19,064

    Re: Please identify this raptor

    Thanks, Paul! Hopefully others can confirm your thinking.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •