I thought this was a Merlin, but the tail does not look right! Can anyone help. I got this today (July 28, 2012) at the Consumnes River Preserve outside of Sacramento California. I need a better identification book![attachment=99049:IMG_1108_web.jpg]
6 replies to this topic
#1
lesliejmorris
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Posted 28 July 2012 - 08:47 PM
#2
psweet
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Posted 28 July 2012 - 11:31 PM
Juvenile Swainson's Hawk. A Merlin would, as you noted, have a different tail pattern. Also, the second primary back from the tip would be the longest, and only 3 primaries would stick out, instead of the 5 seen here. And finally, a Merlin would be about half as long as this guy.
#3
TheBillyPilgrim
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Frank
- LocationGreat Basin, NV
Posted 28 July 2012 - 11:37 PM
Agree with Psweet's ID. Beautiful photo!
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2013: 362 species
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#4
snick
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snick
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Posted 29 July 2012 - 12:54 AM
Fantastic photograph.
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#5
lesliejmorris
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Posted 29 July 2012 - 03:46 AM
Thanks! Glad to add a Swainson's Hawk to my collection. Been working hard on photography technique...now need to work on identification! Thanks for your help.
#6
TheBillyPilgrim
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Frank
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Posted 29 July 2012 - 02:09 PM
Forgot to welcome you to Whatbird!
Life List: 560
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Latest birds: Purple Sandpiper, Ross's Goose, White-winged Crossbill,
2013: 362 species
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Costa Rica Trip Report: http://www.whatbird....rt/#entry396425
#7
MWM
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Mark W Miller
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Posted 29 July 2012 - 10:08 PM
Just for reference, I took this pic of a Merlin last week in central NY.
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