Red-tailed Hawk left me a feather

[rumpel]

:)

as I was walking one of the dogs, I found a beautiful feather on the grass. I knew immediately it belonged to a Red-tailed Hawk because of the markings.
I finally had a moment to check it online and sure enough it is, and it is one of the primary feathers. I learned something new about it and wanted to share:

The primary on the bottom is from a Red-Tail Hawk. Notice that it has a notch on it which creates a slot for airflow over the wing - a soaring slot. Hawks spend a considerable amount of time soaring and have evolved this notch that allows them to soar better. The feather itself is much broader than the falcon's - the hawk has broader wings than the falcon to better stay aloft without effort.
the picture is here:
http://www.themodernapprentice.com/feathers.htm

but mine has clear bands from tip to base

:hi:

[sybster1000]

1. Impressive birds

Just south of Nashville, we have many acres of land. A Red-Tailed "couple" live on one piece of about 50 acres. Every year they return and I love to see them. But make no mistake about it, they are predators. we have seen them snag rabbits and other birds. I have to be careful of my 6 lb. dog running loose when we go to that property!!

[rumpel]

4. Yes - you have to be careful with small dogs

when my Newf chased one eating a catch in the same area several months ago, (possibly a rabbit) the bird almost looked bigger with its open wingspan than my Newf.

[SheilaT]

2. Nice.

Lucky you.

[MorningGlow]

3. A lovely gift

Hawks are wonderful creatures.

[Sanity Claws]

5. Wonderful

They are magnificent birds.

[Cleita]

6. Lucky you!

All they leave me is splats on my car. :rofl: There is a telephone wire over where I have to park my car and that they like to perch on. I am happy you got the fine gift of a feather and not the ones I usually get.

:hi:

[Celebration]

7. I love seeing these

How great that you have a feather!!

[northernlights]

8. what a great gift

:hi:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

9. COOL!!

:)

[Fire Walk With Me]

10. Nice symbol for a positive change in your life!

[PuraVidaDreamin]

11. I had an interesting hawk feather find a few weeks ago.

I was at Kripalu for a meditation yoga retreat- My sweet golden Tsuki passed while I was there. I had just come
out of 3 days of noble silence so phoned my partner John. His Wiccan name is Feather. When I called Tsuki had just
passed about 1 minute prior- so he put the phone to her so I could say goodbye. He also told me he was going
to wrap her in one of my yoga blankets- give her one of my water bottles, as she always drank from mine when
we went mountain biking together, which she loved. He gave her one of my sons hats so she would have something
from them. My Ganesh for her transition , and a ball in case she gets bored wherever she is.

I cried my heart out as I walked back through the woods towards the center- and took a route through the orchard
that I never took before (had developed a habit) Low and behold was the largest most beautiful "Feather" I had
ever seen. A hawk feather without a doubt. I KNOW it was Tsuki telling me that Feather had taken good care of
her.