ML257987181

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Behaviors

Flying

Observation details

Yo! Got on it initially and then was able to get Bob on the bird as it flew west overhead while we were walking south down from the trailhead. Initially noted it in its gliding position, in which SWHA can appear like an osprey with "crooked-winged" or "M-shaped" appearance of wrists projecting forward beyond head. The bird then moved past us and we got better looks and knew it as SWHA. It then circled two times near RTHA before continuing on west. When the bird circled, we got good looks at its structure and shape. Surprisingly scarce bird in MRN, but the NE corner of the county seems to be the most reliable/likely spot aside from Hawk Hill in the fall. Long, tapered, and relatively slender wings with straight leading edge while soaring. Underwing coverts slightly lighter than smoky dark flight feathers. Dark comma near base of primaries can be seen in photos as well. Dark spotting on belly and long, lightly barred tail. White throat can be seen when zoomed way in. When viewed dorsally, white rump evident, but not nearly as pronounced as NOHA. Likely dark morph adult. Not BWHA due to size and shape of wings as well as pronounced dark trailing edge to wings. Not NOHA due to shape and structure of bird and clear buteo profile. Not RTHA as one one seen nearby for comparison and RTHA appear more bulky and lack the pale leading edge and dark secondaries of SWHA and lack the longer pointed wings of SWHA. No patagial markings either, although this is a field mark that has to be used sparingly since some RTHA have very light patagial markings.

Technical information

Model

ILCE-9

Lens

FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS

ISO

200

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/640 sec

Dimensions

2419 pixels x 1613 pixels

Original file size

1.78 MB