ML457042091

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

As we were finishing up our mostly drive-through visit to this LCRA park, a Turkey Vulture-like bird came into view, flying fairly low (towards the entrance of the park). Almost immediately (at least with binoculars) the fairly broad white tail band of an adult Zone-tailed Hawk was very easy to see. Later, examining photos, this bird showed (when the tail was slightly spread), at least two, and most likely three, narrower white tail bands proximal to the large white band, which would indicate this was likely an adult female (females showing a total of 3 to 5 white tail bands, and males 2 to 3, per Brian Wheeler in his "Raptors of Western North America"). The proportions/shape of the bird were quite similar to that of a TUVU, with fairly long wings, and a medium-length, narrow tail (of course ZTHA would be smaller overall, but while the ZTHA was in view, there were no TUVUs nearby for a size comparison. The blackish body, and underwing coverts, and silvery remiges were .also reminiscent of TUVU, though the remiges showed fine barring throughout. The head was black (feathered). And although I don't recall making note of it at the time, the feet were yellow and the cere palish yellow (visible in photos). Amazingly, this was the 3rd ZTHA we'd (Kiandra, Phil and I) seen in the last two days! A new Blanco County bird, personally (though only 47 species so far in Blanco).

Technical information

Model

DSC-RX10M4

ISO

100

Flash

Flash did not fire

Dimensions

1324 pixels x 820 pixels

Original file size

375.62 KB