the falcon (?)

[misterx]

Last time I tried to identify a bird photo it didn't go too well, so I'll just post this one and let y'all figure it out.

Here's a closer one with the details enhanced a bit for identification:
http://www.vaughnsphotoart.com/nobrowse/20070902guestrivergorge/IMG_3669.jpg

Comments

[xbrokenx.livejournal.com]

looks like a hawk to me!

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

It looks like a young Red-Tailed Hawk to me. They're rather common around here. There are some that are well-fed around my parents' property because we have LOTS of fat, slow Mourning Doves, which Hawks find an easily-caught delicacy. :-)

[misterx.livejournal.com]

I think you're right... I found another picture of one in flight and the markings match:
http://home.comcast.net/%7Edshymas/ridgefield/hawks/h700_3.jpg

[fjorab-teke.livejournal.com]

Nice "catch" by the way! Even experienced bird photographers find birds hard to photograph, especially in flight.

[misterx.livejournal.com]

It flew into the clearing as I was photographing the deer, caught it out of the corner of my eye. Manged to get off three shots. I was pleased. :)