I’ve been sent hawk photos by two different people this week, asking if the photographed birds were red-tailed hawks. I’m really more into invertebrates and plants than birds these days, but I still remember enough from those earlier, simpler times in my career to be helpful.
People tend to make hawk identification unnecessarily complicated, which is very frustrating for everyone involved. Except the hawks, of course, who know who they are and don’t need you to validate that.
As a public service, I have created a free, one-page, step-by-step identification guide to deciding whether that big feathered thing in the distance is a red-tailed hawk. You’re welcome.
nicely written and very helpful; thank you!
Fun algorithm but you didn’t mention patagial marks, easiest identifier
HI Chris I work for the University of MN Extension Natural Resources and we are doing a podcast called My Minnesota, where we explore topics relevant to Minnesota. We would love to have you on as a guest to talk about prairies. Would you consider this? Please let me know.
amy