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December 29, 2011
Strange Raptor Phenomenon?
Celery Farm Marsh Warden Emeritus Stiles Thomas called to point out a strange phenomenon detailed in the above photo from Page L-3 of the Wednesday, Dec. 28, editions of The Record.
First, Stiles pointed out that the bird in question is almost certainly not a falcon — he thinks it is more likely a young Red-shouldered Hawk.
More curiously, he notes that the hawk has bluish legs, very much like a photo that I took of an injured Red-shouldered Hawk several years ago (it's on Page 9 of "Survival: The Red-shouldered Hawks of Allendale)."
Stiles wonders whether these hawks get bluish legs when they go into shock.
Your input would be most welcome.
I have e-mailed the photographer, the most excellent Tyson Trish, for other photos of Wednesday's raptor for ID purposes.
6 comments
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Can’t see the picture very well, but it sure looks like a falcon to me.
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It’s either a gyrfalcon or gyrfalcon hybrid cross. It is also a first year bird. First yeart gyrs and some other falcons have bluish colored legs, feet, and cere, the fleshy area above the beak which contain the nares or nostrils.
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Rick,
Very astute! I did not notice the jesses, but now it all makes sense, except for the blue feet. Article said that the bird was stuck in the tree — I wonder if the jesses were the problem. Never occurred to Stiles or me we were looking at a falconer’s bird — had dismissed Gyr as being way to out of the ordinary.
Thanks — would love to see more pix, too! -
Can’t see the photo very well, but it sure looks like a falcon to me. Maybe a Gyr x Saker? All identification bets are off, of course, as soon as you see jesses and bells!
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Thanks so much…
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I am not a birder but I am a ‘picture taker’ and since my retirement in 2004 and discovering The Farm, I am a birder groupie. I follow you birders around both at the farm and at the Meadowlands. You are all so much fun to be with, so friendly and such educators. You all have changed my life for the better.
I said to my husband upon looking at that picture in the Record, “That’s not a falcon.” But then what do I know? Birding has rubbed off onto me. May the New Year bring good health and peace to you and many more birding adventures.
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6 comments
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Can’t see the picture very well, but it sure looks like a falcon to me.
Williiam Streeter
It’s either a gyrfalcon or gyrfalcon hybrid cross. It is also a first year bird. First yeart gyrs and some other falcons have bluish colored legs, feet, and cere, the fleshy area above the beak which contain the nares or nostrils.
Jim Wright
Rick,
Very astute! I did not notice the jesses, but now it all makes sense, except for the blue feet. Article said that the bird was stuck in the tree — I wonder if the jesses were the problem. Never occurred to Stiles or me we were looking at a falconer’s bird — had dismissed Gyr as being way to out of the ordinary.
Thanks — would love to see more pix, too!
Rick Wright
Can’t see the photo very well, but it sure looks like a falcon to me. Maybe a Gyr x Saker? All identification bets are off, of course, as soon as you see jesses and bells!
NJMC
Thanks so much…
sally
I am not a birder but I am a ‘picture taker’ and since my retirement in 2004 and discovering The Farm, I am a birder groupie. I follow you birders around both at the farm and at the Meadowlands. You are all so much fun to be with, so friendly and such educators. You all have changed my life for the better.
I said to my husband upon looking at that picture in the Record, “That’s not a falcon.” But then what do I know? Birding has rubbed off onto me. May the New Year bring good health and peace to you and many more birding adventures.