We made our way outside to see him a bit more clearly. We knew he was juvenile because of the white coloration of his breast. Adults have reddish-brown breast feathers. The tail feathers also show distinct bands, a characteristic of a younger hawk of this species.
Red-shouldered hawks are a common predator in My Florida Backyard. They've been responsible for picking off plenty of baby ducklings, and last year we watched one take down a crow (click here to learn more). If this one continues to haunt the bird feeder, we will most likely see very few songbirds for awhile, but tonight the sight of this hawk was enough to fill us with awe... and that's enough for one day.
Hawks are beautiful in their own way. You took some fabulous pictures. I hope it flies away somewhere more wild and leaves your lovely back yard to the songbirds and ducks.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
Wow! What a gorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteI love hawks.We are lucky enough to have a few which hang around our garden.We've been able to tell which is which.Amd they all seem interested in our comings and goings.Magnificent bird!
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