Blog

Fresh Plumaged Cooper's

posted by Jerry Liguori at
on Friday, August 9, 2013 

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.

8 Comments:
Anonymous matt said...

What time of year was this photo taken and where?

August 10, 2013 at 6:17 PM  
Blogger Jerry Liguori said...

Hi Matt

The bird was photographed a few days ago, a fledgling from a nest Shyloh was watching near Salt Lake

August 10, 2013 at 6:36 PM  
Anonymous Ron Dudley said...

An interesting tip, Jerry - thanks (you too, Shyloh).

August 12, 2013 at 4:06 AM  
Blogger Jerry Liguori said...

Ron:

Thanks, and yes, just something to watch out for...

August 12, 2013 at 7:21 AM  
Blogger Wally Jones said...

Very timely, as here in central Florida we'll soon be seeing migrants in all manner of plumages! Thank you!

August 13, 2013 at 1:49 PM  
Blogger Jerry Liguori said...

Glad you like my posts Wally.

August 13, 2013 at 3:30 PM  
Anonymous Mike S. said...

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.

August 14, 2013 at 7:05 AM  
Blogger Jerry Liguori said...

Thank you Mike

August 14, 2013 at 7:12 AM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Back to Previous





Powered by Blogger

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]