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Red-Tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Photo by Jim Nelson
Published on Project Noah
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36.0686, -115.454

Field Notes

Description:

This is a large member of the hawk family. As pictured…brown topside, lighter underside of body and wings.

Habitat:

These hawks were spotted at Spring Valley Ranch in Red Rock Canyon west of Las Vegas. This is a riparian area, spring fed, with Arizona Ash trees. The surrounding area is where the Mojave Desert meets the Spring Mountains.

Notes:

This hawk breeds throughout North America, and occupies a variety of different habitats including desert, mountain and wooded areas. We spotted this one as we heard its high pitched ‘raspy' call. It was perched, and then flying low at treetop level, presumably searching for prey. We have seen several in this area, which may have been a breeding pair.

Reference Links:

Red-tailed hawk

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (15)
Jim Nelson
Thanks, Leuba...I never get tired of seeing raptors in flight. Powerful and graceful at the same time.
Leuba Ridgway
I could keep looking at that first photo forever - amazing, that sweep of feathers and what's about to come.... Congratulations !
Jim Nelson
Thanks Danielle and Rangers...SOTD very much appreciated!
Neil Ross
Yes, a big congrats on your SOTD, Jim. This is a great spotting. I particularly love the third photo. Quite amazing.
DanielePralong
Congratulations Jim! This great set of images has earned you a Spotting of the Day! https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10157439524500603/?type=3&theater https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/774759439572369412
Jim Nelson
Thanks, Triggs...the shutter sped was at 1/5000. It works if you open the aperture wide, and it was as well a bright sunny day. The focus is difficult when the bird is almost coming at you, and I was lucky to have it all work when I took the photo.
triggsturner
Great set of images Jim. Can I ask what shutter speed you used for image 3? Brilliant angle!
Ava T-B
Your third picture is amazing!

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Birds of the World
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Raptors of North America
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NWF: Watch for Wildlife!
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2016 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedAugust 31, 2016

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