A few weeks ago "Jane" showed up in the front yard looking for a snack from around the bird feeding stations that I've set up to try to attract some different birds for the winter. I was thrilled to see a hawk so close up--especially those piercing eyes. But it was the "leggings" that cracked me up and earned this one the name of "Jane". Remember Jane Fonda and her workout leggings in all those exercise videos? Feel the burn!
And then yesterday I heard this terrible racket in the backyard and, after looking and looking, spotted "Jane" in the tiptop branches of a tree. She obligingly stayed around long enough for me to get this not so great photo.
Identifying "Jane" has been a puzzle. According to my Kentucky bird books, we're supposed to have sharp-shinned, red-shouldered, red-tailed, and cooper's hawks. I've studied the pics of each and none fit "Jane" exactly. Either missing the "leggings", tail shaped differently with different color bars. My best guess is sharp-shinned, but a couple of Facebook birders say she might be a juvenile goshawk migrating or a rough-legged. Whatever! I'm thrilled that she stops by.
Linking to: Wild Bird Wednesday .
10 comments:
A stunning bird to see so close...
Jane is most beautiful although I am puzzled as you are re what she is. I always thought furry legged hawks came from cold climates, but who knows. I can't find my bird book right now so can't even look it up!
Cheers and hugs,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat
Man, I'm jealous! I rarely see hawks, much less have one in the backyard. Fantastic shots!
Lovely sighting Faye, I get a hawk in my garden and it still gives me a thrill every time I see it
Great pics...hope those fuzzy leggings doesn't mean an early cold winter!
Wow - great photos - I have a hard time too, with some of the hawks.
they look like bell bottoms too, and this is such a gorgeous bird, you've taken great photos. Your story of the 3rd Graders in your about me and the library has me laughing outloud.You write a great blog.
What a gorgeous bird! You got some awesome shots of it.
Hi there - welcome back. Hope your family concerns are sorted.
Hawks off all sorts can be a challenge to identify! So, you are not alone in being confused!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Wow Faye, cool shots of the Hawk!
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