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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Red-Shoulder Hawk - Skywatch Friday #26

This week's skywatch post is of a red-shoulder hawk. I took this photo on New Years Day just a few miles from the house. I've seen quite a few of these hawks around lately. This particular hawk was overlooking a vacant field, probably looking for field mice to munch on.

rshawk1

Here's a 'cool fact' feature from Cornell's All-About Birds website about red-shoulders:

The Red-shouldered Hawk is divided into five subspecies. The four eastern forms contact each other, but the West Coast form is separated from the eastern forms by 1600 km (1000 mi). The northern form is the largest. The form in very southern Florida is the palest, having a gray head and very faint barring on the chest.

rshawk2

Happy skywatching!

18 comments:

Kathy W said...

Great shot. We see hawks every once in awhile around Tulsa. LOL one day we were driving done the street and one flew by carrying a squirel. Flew right by the truck window. Scared me to death. Hope you have a great week.

vincibene said...

Fantastic pictures!

PJ said...

We have red shouldered hawks here in northwest Florda and i love t see them, just like this, like they're patiently waiting for something to show up.

Anonymous said...

Handsome fellow. Great photos - thanks for skywatching with us.

Shelley said...

He looks beautiful against that blue sky! Great photo! Glad you visited me - I will be following you!

SandyCarlson said...

He is beautiful. So strong and confident looking.

Michele said...

Wonderful photos, fantastic captures! It's great to see these guys on pictures, something I don't do well!
That's a "cool fact" feature to know as well...
Awesome post!
~Michele~
Mountain Retreat

Dawn Fine said...

Great photo...I love that the sky is one color and the bird just stands out...
happy skywatch

Chandramouli S said...

Haaawwwwwkk! Kingly! I love em - Hawks, Eagles, Vultures.... Can't you grow 'em? LOL! I wish I could.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos,thanks for showing it.

Anonymous said...

Nice bird blog you have. I don't get to see Red-shouldered Hawks around here much, so its nice to get reacquainted with one from your photos.

Arija said...

A beautiful bird!
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Kim said...

Great shot of the hawk with the very blue sky in the background.

Dave said...

Great shot Alan! I never have a camera available when I see hawks. Although that's usually when I'm driving around.

Robin said...

He's quite impressive looking, isn't he. Great catch.

imac said...

Well captured - on his perch Alan.

Anonymous said...

Great Shots, happy sky(bird)watching!

Tammie Lee said...

Beautiful shot of a handsome bird!