ML624208957

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Continuing migration of Broad-winged Hawks passing through OC today, with the first being reported by Bethanne around 1300 in the Seal Beach area. As she suspected, their flight path passed through Arbor Park, with an additional 3-4 traveling from the south, heading north. Thank you, Bethanne for the initial finds, and Loren W for the alert!! :)) A deceivingly small raptor, more closely in size to a small Red-shouldered Hawk vs the nearby gigantic Red-tailed Hawks (RTHA). Presumably a light juvenile with medium brown upperparts with some light spotting; whitish/cream underparts with vertical, rusty breast streaking which are more concentrated by the neck region and diffuses as it goes down its body; lacks a belly band and dark patagial seen on a RTHA; a prominent, dark mustachial bar against its cream face; light eyebrow and lores; proportionately-sized bill lighter at the base with a dark tip; narrow, black trailing edge on the wings to its pointed wing tips; black and white tail bands with a thick, black terminal band. 1657 - I joined the others already on site, with the last viewing of a secondary (or tertiary?) bird approx. at 1600. After some time, and with all of us having Loren double check each raptor in the area (thank you, Loren!!) since he was the only one in the group with a scope, the one meant for me flew directly above our heads, soaring mid-level for excellent views, as it made its way NE. Supposedly, this was a new bird in comparison to the others that previously passed through. It came from the south, and soared above the soccer field, scoping the area, before it passed through heading NE, behind the golf course. Silent. What a beautiful bird!!! Happy Day!! :))

Technical information

Model

DSC-RX10M4

ISO

100

Flash

Flash did not fire

Dimensions

1462 pixels x 1124 pixels

Original file size

103.83 KB