[Birdnet] Krider's RT's in Utah

[Jerry Lig]

This is a subject (within a subject) I have been researching for a long time. There are no documented (photos, video) records for Krider's Red-tailed Hawk on the west side of the Rockies.....and every photo of one has turned out to be a light Harlan's. Having said that, it is possible to see one since 'birds have wings', and there are sightings that have been undocumented. Just want to stress that pale-headed Red-tailed Hawks here are much more likely Harlan's (or spring Western juveniles that have gone through significant fading). Harlan's are very common here from November through March, I just saw 8 diferent ones (mostly dark) driving from SLC to Logan along I-15 a few days ago.

Curious Jason, what age was the bird you saw? What other plumage was obvious? Maybe we can tell for sure which 'race' it was.

The problem is that telling the two apart can be difficult to impossible without the right view, and knowing exactly what to look for. The age of the bird needs to be determined as well, juveniles are extremely difficult to tell apart, adults are typically easy except for the white-headed types. I've been meaning to write up a piece for the Utahbirds site since the last discussion on this subject, and will down the road. 


Here is a link to a juvenile Harlan's with a white head for reference (feel free to check out the site as well, many raptor pics posted): 


http://s590.photobucket.com/albums/ss350/Jerrylig/?action=view&current=Harlans.jpg


I am personally interested in seeing any photos of Krider's or Harlan's in Utah. I am not a skeptic by nature nor the 'bird police', just want to share what I know because I think it may be helpful. 


Jerry
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