Winter Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 (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, 2019 by Winter updated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Red-tailed Hawk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melierax Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdbrain22 Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winter Posted November 25, 2019 Author Share Posted November 25, 2019 (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, 2019 by Winter EDTA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdbrain22 Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 Definitely a Buteo body shape and tail... so definitely not a Falcon or Acippiter. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean C Posted November 26, 2019 Share Posted November 26, 2019 I like RTHA for this one. I've seen them perched on wires before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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