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dixonge
10-17-2008, 05:52 PM
Our second trip to Hagerman. No hogs, not many ducks this time, no geese - but pelicans galore! Also some American Avocet and a Northern Harrier on the way home.

http://dixonge.smugmug.com/photos/393872736_4WCcT-XL-2.jpg

http://dixonge.smugmug.com/photos/393873957_DVSRM-XL-2.jpg

http://dixonge.smugmug.com/photos/393876258_vzoTB-XL-2.jpg

http://dixonge.smugmug.com/photos/393876745_bupTG-XL-3.jpg
Vern
10-17-2008, 06:29 PM
Not many Ducks and no Geese? I was hoping this last little front had brought in a few more birds. Had planned on a trip up there this coming Sunday but......

I think your last photo is of a Red-tailed Hawk (immature) Large numbers of them around. So far, I have only seen one Harrier of the season and have been waiting on them also.

Thanks for the trip report!
dixonge
10-17-2008, 07:16 PM
Vern,

My first thought was red-tailed, of course, but as it flew off it stayed low over the fields and I thought I saw the tell-tale white rump and straight tail-feathers. However, let me post my two other shots and perhaps they will help narrow it down...

http://dixonge.smugmug.com/photos/393876951_VqmpN-XL-2.jpg

http://dixonge.smugmug.com/photos/393877151_LBPS6-XL-2.jpg
Vern
10-17-2008, 07:55 PM
One of the really distinguishing features of the Harrier is it's Owl like face. Plumages are also different. Take a look at the breast and belly markings on the Harriers and Red-tailed at different ages. I know there are lots of variations in plumages in the Red-tailed Hawks and it causes me to scratch my head at times.

This one looks like a healthy young Red-tailed Hawk to me. I have a pic (I think) of a Northern Harrier taken at Hackberry Flats last year and will see about finding it. Also HAD some taken at Hagerman last year but may have lost them in a crash.
Vern
10-17-2008, 08:38 PM
Here is a link to the image. Had no luck in uploading to my external gallery...due to slow internet.

http://texasbirders.com/index.php?topic=2256.0
ken nanney
10-21-2008, 08:52 PM
Yes, you've captured a nice immature Red-tailed Hawk there. Looks like he had a bit of trouble balancing on the metal post at first.

Ken