My field guide says that although seeing a bird of prey can be a thrill, identifying one is a challenge that consumes most birders. It goes on to say that many raptors display confusing variations of plumage and that even experts debate their identification. I have to say, reading that makes me feel a little bit better about my own struggles with identifying the birds I see. I do the best that I can, but most of the time I feel like I'm just making an educated guess.
These two hawks (yes, I'm going out on a limb (pun intended) and identifying these as hawks!) were at the Sacramento NWR auto tour and at first I thought they might be Norther Harriers, but I'm pretty sure they are Red-tailed Hawks.
And one more thing: aren't they territorial???
Anywho, they are magnificent birds no matter what their technical names are!
Can you tell how windy it was that day?
I told you I'm getting better at aerial shots! :D
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