Check out the photo below ("click" to enlarge)...a juvenile Cooper's Hawk my friend Shyloh sent me. By the way Shyloh, your photos are fantastic! Anyway, notice how grayish the topside appears. Juveniles in fresh plumage often have a sheen on top and do not appear as brown as they "should", and for this reason they might be confused for adults if seen from above. Even during fall migration, some juveniles still lack significant fade or wear and appear "fresh". Of course the head lacks an adult pattern, but with only a quick glance, this mistake could and has been made.
I think I've made that very mistake at our hawkwatch in Virginia. Thanks for the tip, I can see what it is you are pointing out in this lovely photo, and very neat to get that close to a hawk in the wild.
8 Comments:
What time of year was this photo taken and where?
Hi Matt
The bird was photographed a few days ago, a fledgling from a nest Shyloh was watching near Salt Lake
An interesting tip, Jerry - thanks (you too, Shyloh).
Ron:
Thanks, and yes, just something to watch out for...
Very timely, as here in central Florida we'll soon be seeing migrants in all manner of plumages! Thank you!
Glad you like my posts Wally.
I think I've made that very mistake at our hawkwatch in Virginia. Thanks for the tip, I can see what it is you are pointing out in this lovely photo, and very neat to get that close to a hawk in the wild.
Thank you Mike
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