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Welcome to your Public Forum! Please use it to tell all of us what birds you are seeing in your yard, your neighborhood, on your balcony or fire escape, or in your favorite park. Tell us about any wildlife refuges you are visiting. And the birds you are seeing – what are they doing? Are they singing, nest-building, flying, foraging, sitting still and resting? Are they interacting with those of their own species or with others? Are they by themselves? In a flock? Ask questions and learn more about topics that are important to you. And remember, no question is too basic or simple – we all have to start somewhere. If you are having trouble posting, have something to discuss with me, or have a question for me, please email me at lindahendricksspence@birdingbeyondthefieldguide.com.

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Public ForumQuestions and Answers: Questions, answers, comments ..........What is this bird?

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What is this bird?

#1 · 01/11/2025, 10:15 AM

My friend Florence sent this photo to me and asked me to post it for all of you to see. She does not know the name of the photographer, but she ran into him while he was taking this photo in Newport Beach in southern California - Florence lives in Huntington Beach, CA. He gave permission for me to post it.

As you can see, this is a gorgeous hawk. But which one? I have two guesses which I will add to this post in one week, so take a look at your field guides and post your thoughts. I think one of my guesses is right, but am not 100% sure at all. I look forward to seeing what you are considering. I don’t know about you, but I think hawks, sparrows, and female ducks are quite challenging!!!!

If any of you reading this are from southern California, please help us out! There is nothing better than the knowledge and guidance of a good local birder! Linda

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#2 · 01/13/2025, 10:54 AM

I think this is a Swainson's Hawk. I used Stokes field guide and in it is pictured a dark morph that looks very much like this bird pictured here. Cleon

#3 · 01/15/2025, 9:38 PM

Our guess is a rarer dark-morph Ferruginous juvenile. They winter in Calif. Found in Raptors by Wheeler and Clark. Oettels

#4 · 01/20/2025, 7:20 AM

I think this hawk is a dark morph of the Red-tailed Hawk, but as I said in my original post - I am not sure. Cleoon and Jim, your thoughts were also good and this bird could be either one of also. I will leave this up another few weeks - please give a guess if you have one. Linda