ML454426721

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

This was a molting juvenile light-morph BWHA, spotted by Aaron when it was on a northbound flight past the north end of the reservoir. The bird's body confirmation (short, broad wings with pointed primaries and a long, narrow, banded tail), head, chest, and flank color and streaking, all pale secondaries, large head and bulky chest, and its flight posture) were compelling evidence of a BWHA. This sighting represents a first record for Umatilla County. Photos. The immature hawk was flying from south to north about 70 feet high and at the closest point came within 50 yards of us. It was being continuously harassed by blackbirds during the entire observation, and circled once in an apparent unsuccessful effort of shed the blackbirds. Noticeably smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk. Wingbeat more rapid than Red-tailed but less so than a Red-shouldered Hawk. Under wing whitish buff, no dark patagial bar. No white crescent at base of primaries that would show on Red-shouldered Hawk. Entire observation lasted about 50 seconds, with the hawk disappearing from view to the north.

Technical information

Model

COOLPIX P950

ISO

100

Focal length

152 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/800 sec

Dimensions

943 pixels x 631 pixels

Original file size

130.2 KB