This photo was taken in Anacortes- just outside city limits; 10-5-04.
I sent 1 photo, a print, to William S. Clark, with a notice that all field guides need to be modified. Mr. Clark responded that he had to side with the birders' of Texas - that I was probably misIDing Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
Mr. Clark stated to me by email, that the print was of a nice Cooper's Hawk; the wings were to short; the wing base was not wide enough; the wings were too straight across to be a Goshawk.
This bird and its photo is certainly a Goshawk. This photo shows an accipiter with short wings or medium length wings. The bird is actually a "long winged ", mature female Goshawk. The resultant forces placed upon the wing make the wings seem shorter than what they actually are. This is a chunky bird. The chest is robust; the tail is bulky; the wings are bulky. The sun light is reflecting off the chest (pearly gray).
Please notice: Pete Dunne's "Hawks in Flight", paperback, page 199; Harry Darrow's photo. I have seen photos similar to this one; all claiming Northern Goshawk. Also, on page 54 and 68; David Sibley's art work of a Northern Goshawk with the leading edge of the wings being straight across.
My suggestion: words have meaning. Great emphasis should be placed upon reading the words in "Hawks in Flight". Enjoy!
1 comment:
I don't see one goshawk on your site, only Cooper's Hawks, are you sure you have ever seen a goshawk, post a clear photo of one so people don't constantly question you. Obviously you know nothing about identification
Matthew
Post a Comment