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Need help with a hawk (?)

Last post 06-03-2008, 7:50 PM by kanyman. 2 replies.
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  •  06-03-2008, 7:24 PM 42826

    Need help with a hawk (?)

    Hi, I just discovered this website while trying to identify what was in my backyard.  But I came to the same conclusions as with my old bird book, so I need some help.  I live in Huntsville, Alabama, and our yard backs up to a natural forested wetlands.  It is all shady by 4pm.  Looking out, there was a large gray bird there, calmly plucking the feathers (and eyes) out of a mourning dove.  This bird had RED eyes (think vampire!), medium gray coloring with a light gray head and underside, and down toward the legs very faintly the underfeathers were tipped with brown.  I got it down to Mississippi Kite (too small, no light head, and doesn't eat doves), and White Tailed Kite, but I am not too comfortable with the white/light gray, it was really light gray/medium (like gunmetal) gray.  Plus, my location is out of range for this kite, isn't it?  If anyone has a clue here, please respond!

  •  06-03-2008, 7:35 PM 42828 in reply to 42826

    Re: Need help with a hawk (?)

    This is a little out there for Alabama, but the description fits a Northern Goshawk.....

    But I'm not really familiar with raptors of the South

    Andrew 


    Andrew Ritchie
    Renfrew, Ontario
    Formerly St. John's, Newfoundland and Victoria, British Columbia



  •  06-03-2008, 7:50 PM 42831 in reply to 42828

    Re: Need help with a hawk (?)

    Hey, i looked up your suggestion. Thanks for responding!  But alas, no general striping on the back, only on the "thighs" just a little.  And a completely plain light head.  Hmmm. 
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