Is this a red tailed hawk?

[Celebration]

I kind of, sort of narrowed it down to that after looking at online resources, because this thing was big. Still, the coloring doesn't seem right. As an example, not at all sure about the red tail, LOL. Getting pictures of birds from boats was most of the reason I decided to take up photography as a hobby. Trouble is, I don't really know birds. Naturally I screwed up the flying picture but maybe it will help someone ID--

[tabasco]

1. Looks like one to me.

I bet the top of his tail is red.

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

[Celebration]

3. Thanks

Hopefully I am learning, one bird at a time.

[Parker CA]

2. Awesome picture! Those talons are out of control. Wouldn't want to be prey to that sucker.

[Celebration]

4. My hubby was a little freaked out

He kept saying, "That bird may not like us taking a picture of him." Once he was pecked by bluejays while out jogging, so he has a unique perspective. Plus, I made him stop the motor and just float, and he was getting antsy to start fishing some more.

[NV Whino]

5. This looks more like an immature golden eagle

Check out the photo at this site.
http://www.fotosearch.com/DGT067/cb012067/

[Celebration]

6. I thought about that too!

It looks like a cross. I'm not sure there are golden eagles in the Duck River area of the Tennessee Wildlife Refuge, though.

Though numbers do not warrant criteria status, the following Tennessee Endangered/Threatened species are of note: Peregrine Falcon (E), 1 average spring and fall migrations 2000-2004 (Robert Wheat) and Golden Eagle (T), 1 average per winter 2000-2004 (Robert Wheat).

http://www.tnbirds.org/IBA/SitePages/TNWR-DRU.htm

Maybe I will try to ask the Wildlife Refuge people.

Edited to add: I know a birdwatcher I can email and ask. I'll let you know what she says.

[NV Whino]

7. Thanks

I'll be interested to know what the critter is for sure.

[Celebration]

8. Look at this discussion in flickr!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/birds/discuss/72157608220151116/

This looks a whole lot like mine I think and he got two answers saying it's an immature bald eagle. That would be cool!! It is very near where I did see an older bald eagle from the car one time (although it was just a quick glance I am pretty sure of the white head).

[NV Whino]

9. Just because that one is in Alaska, I would say immature bald eagle.

[Celebration]

10. Given the area and the time of year --late May

If it is an eagle I think mine is more likely to be an immature bald eagle than an immature golden eagle.

I hadn't even thought of a bald eagle not having a white head. Definitely it is true I don't know all that much about birds!

I'll see what my friend has to say. She is always hedging her bets, though. And she doesn't check her emails daily.

[Celebration]

12. my bird book finally came

So, now I am pretty sure this is about a two year old bald eagle. My friend has not emailed me back, but she is quite elderly and the type to go off to Maine and not check her email for a month.

Here are the reasons why I think it is an immature bald eagle--

1. It looks like the one pictured in the bird book (National Geographic) except their picture is from the back.

2. Red tail hawks are generally found looking out over fields, and only occasionally eat fish. Usually they are on the lookout for field mice, etc.

3. Eagles are found near cliffs and overlooking water in tall trees. This bird was on an island in the river across from cliffs, overlooking a wide expanse of water from a tall tree.

5. The Duck River bottoms area of the Tennessee National Wildlife Reserve has known bald eagle nests, and they count the number of adult and immature bald eagles every year in that area. The last I looked, there had counted something like 18 adult bald eagles and 17 immature bald eagles. There are only rare sightings of golden eagles there in the winter.

There you have it!! A picture of an immature bald eagle, and I am happy as can be-- it was the reason I bought the specific camera that I have--to take pictures of wildlife from the boat (thus an PowerShot SX10IS, and no tripod, but lots of zoom in the lens)

Thanks NV, for letting me know that eagles look different when they are young.

Now I need a picture of an older one!!

[jhain]

13. I concur!

That is no red tail! It *is* an amazing photo- well done!!

Here's an immature red tail:
(I think he has appeared in this forum previously)

[Celebration]

14. What in the heck???

I must not have been here when you posted it. There has to be a story behind that!

In any case, thanks for posting.

[jhain]

15. Caught in the act

trying to eat my chickens! he quickly extricated himself- no harm done. Returned the following Summer as a mature-er bird and did pick off 3 or 4 hens and a duck over the course of a few weeks. Darn bird.

[JeffR]

11. Whatever he is, if I crossed his path, I'd call him

Sir.

Love that first one.