ML609681671

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Adult in and out of view for 1/2 hour starting around 1115. Black above (besides tail witch has a white band) with black wing linings and silver-white secondaries and primaries, yellow feet and bill. Flying in windy conditions, often with wings crooked at elbow and held above body identical to a Turkey vulture (of which one was present and I got direct comparisons between the two). In direct comparison to turkey vulture the hawk was shorter and perhaps broader winged but with the same rocking flight as a Turkey vulture. Appeared to be hanging around. Made several circuits around ridge here using the strong winds to slowly move along windward side of ridge. Never stalled out in the wind like a red-tailed hawk does when kiting. Once touched down in a nearby oak but immediately jumped back into wind. I think there has been a long returning (10+ years) winter bird to the lake casitas area and I assume based on this birds behavior that it is that bird. ebird shows an adult was photo’d January, April and September of this year nearby.

Technical information

Dimensions

1334 pixels x 750 pixels

Original file size

169.25 KB