A juvenile red-shouldered hawk was out hunting for breakfast just below the Jordan Lake Dam and on the Haw River.
I followed a little of his hunt. Note his shoulders…they really are red!
immature red-shouldered hawk
TagJordan Lake Dam Hawks Today, 3 photos 05-25-2019
Hawks at Jordan Dam Today; Whew, 3 species!!!!!
I had spent all winter trying to get a photo of the first hawk in this group of Buteo hawks.
Buteo hawks are all called broad-winged hawks which is confusing because in the group there is a Broad-Winged Hawk!
This morning a medium-sized hawk appeared from the hill above the dam: it was my elusive Broad-winged hawk.
Broad-winged Hawk
Often confused with the red-shouldered hawk and even though it is fairly common,
is dismissed as a red-shouldered hawk and we don’t look twice.
Note the broad white tail stripe and the distinct black band that edges the trailing edge of the wing from wing-tips to body.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Looks very similar doesn’t it! But this hawk doesn’t have the broad black band lining the trailing edge of the wing.
BTW this is a juvenile; the other 2 hawks in this group are adults and that can add to the identification problems.
Red-tailed Hawk
All 3 birds are similar, in part because of the body shape and broad-wings.
Look back at the wings of all three hawks.
Note just how much distance there is from leading edge to trailing edge of the wing: BROAD WINGS indeed!
Jordan Lake Neighborhood, 5 photos 01/30/2019
The golden hour gilds not only bald eagles, but red-shouldered hawks too.
This juvenile was very intent on something across the swampy part of the cove.
His interest pegged up a notch and he tapped his foot in anticipation.
His kee-ah, kee-ah call announced his growing impatience and readiness to hunt.
He glanced intently at me, making very certain I was watching – all youngsters want attention!
Then he launched and I wished him luck on his hunt.
Youngster Playing
Youngsters!
This juvenile red-shouldered hawk had a prize in his talon.
When he came out of the trees I thought he had a mouse.
But, no, it was a pinecone.
I have watched all sorts of immature raptors playing with sticks and pinecones.
Great way to build strength and agility for the hunt and future nest building.
missed one
This immature red-shouldered hawk was chasing the belted kingfisher.
Both sped past me as I watched the speed display in awe.
I managed to photograph the hawk but not the kingfisher.
over my head
Yes, I was indeed almost directly beneath this immature re-shouldered hawk when he took flight
and let all the glorious autumn morning light shine through wings and tail.
doc ellen's journey 