Winter 26 Posted November 23 (edited) Is this an American Kestrel? Posting on behalf of someone else, seen in Haymarket, VA yesterday. Tail looks too short for a Coopers/Sharpy and the general markings are throwing me off. Seems too small for a Red-Shouldered to my eyes .... The Merlin app gave me two results which I’m really questioning its accuracy. . 1) N Goshawk. - while they’re not unheard of in the area (coming down from the Shenandoah mountains/Blue Ridge some years, etc), they are fairly uncommon. 2) Short-eared Owl. - seriously? I’m almost certain that this is not an owl LOL! Thanks! Edited November 23 by Winter updated Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin 1,090 Posted November 23 Red-tailed Hawk? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Melierax 608 Posted November 23 It looks super weird sitting like that... just by location alone I would be inclined to say red-shouldered but I'm not really seeing the back checkered pattern. What about broad winged based on stature? 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie Spencer 1,329 Posted November 23 Obviously I haven't seen every large raptor in the US, but in my very limited experience I haven't seen a Red-tailed or Red-shouldered perch on utility line. The ones I've seen prefer sturdier perches - utility poles instead of the lines they support. Just me. Others may have seen this behavior in large raptors. If so, I'd appreciate knowing. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin 1,090 Posted November 23 1 hour ago, Charlie Spencer said: Obviously I haven't seen every large raptor in the US, but in my very limited experience I haven't seen a Red-tailed or Red-shouldered perch on utility line. The ones I've seen prefer sturdier perches - utility poles instead of the lines they support. Excellent point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
birdbrain22 238 Posted November 23 1 hour ago, Charlie Spencer said: Obviously I haven't seen every large raptor in the US, but in my very limited experience I haven't seen a Red-tailed or Red-shouldered perch on utility line. The ones I've seen prefer sturdier perches - utility poles instead of the lines they support. Just me. Others may have seen this behavior in large raptors. If so, I'd appreciate knowing. I like Red-tailed Hawk here. Yes Charlie, while not a regular occurrence, I have seen Red-taileds, Red-shouldereds, and Broad-winged perched on wires. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie Spencer 1,329 Posted November 23 7 hours ago, birdbrain22 said: I like Red-tailed Hawk here. Yes Charlie, while not a regular occurrence, I have seen Red-taileds, Red-shouldereds, and Broad-winged perched on wires. Thanks for the info. I think we can agree it isn't kestrel or other falcon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Winter 26 Posted November 25 (edited) Thanks guys. I’m still not sure it’s a red-tailed hawk but you’re most likely right. I’ve seen Merlins, Sharpies and Kestrels perched on wires like this before but never a RTH. My father thinks it’s either a very fat/puffed up female American Kestrel or a juvenile Sharpie...but still confused lol! Edited November 25 by Winter EDTA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
birdbrain22 238 Posted November 26 Definitely a Buteo body shape and tail... so definitely not a Falcon or Acippiter. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sean C 240 Posted November 26 I like RTHA for this one. I've seen them perched on wires before Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
