hawk id

[dbirders]

Would appreciate anyone  pointing us to internet photo sites that will help us  identify the hawks that frequent the lower mainland and  FV area. With all the various stages of life,seasons, and plumage it can be a challenge.    ..........................Thanks. ....................

Dbirders

[Randy]

I would probably just reference a nice field guide like Sibley's. The app is fantastic for comparing between plumages and species and the book is an even easier way to flip between species. He really does and excellent job outlining different species, phases, life stages etc.

Fortunately there aren't too many hawks one needs to be familiar with here. If you get comfortable with general categories then it's pretty easy to narrow down.

Buteos (short-tailed, large):
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk

Accipiters (long-tailed, smaller, rounded wings), by far the most difficult to separate:
Sharp-shinned
Cooper's
(Goshawk would be quite rare)

Other (long-tailed, fairly unique appearance):
Northern Harrier

Falcons (long-tailed, smaller, pointed wings):
Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine
Gyrfalcon

Happy to discuss separating specific birds within these categories as well if you feel that would be helpful

Good fun!

[oldfulica]

Nov 28, 2019 20:11:25 GMT -8 dbirders said:

Would appreciate anyone  pointing us to internet photo sites that will help us  identify the hawks that frequent the lower mainland and  FV area. With all the various stages of life,seasons, and plumage it can be a challenge.    ..........................Thanks. ....................

Dbirders

I have about 400 pictures of hawks at this site. lenjellicoe.zenfolio.com/f156242403 (You may have to copy and paste the link) Most of them taken locally. This link will take you to all birds. Look for raptors and click that. Click on pictures to enlarge. They are in alphabetical order. There are captions for each one with date and location.  Hope that helps.

[dbirders]

Thanks to both of you. Helpful info and appreciated.