The red eye of this magnificent looking hawk indicates to me that it is an adult. All other photos of Sharp-shinned Hawks I have posted this season have had yellow eyes; those of juveniles. 
One thing I hadn't noticed about this hawk, until after having downloaded these pictures, is that it is missing its primaries, or long flight feathers on its right side. My husband had seen the hawk
land on the corner of our pergola by our window and when pointing out to him the missing flight feathers he recalled that he had noticed when the hawk had flown in and perched, that it had seemed to fly a bit sloppily.
One thing I hadn't noticed about this hawk, until after having downloaded these pictures, is that it is missing its primaries, or long flight feathers on its right side. My husband had seen the hawk
land on the corner of our pergola by our window and when pointing out to him the missing flight feathers he recalled that he had noticed when the hawk had flown in and perched, that it had seemed to fly a bit sloppily.
Those are really nice pictures of your hawk! Hope its feathers grow back soon
ReplyDeleteI always learn so much from your posts! I didn't know about the eye color change. He looks magnificent to me.....with or without flight feathers. Very much in control. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteGosh, these are really so beautiful! You captured such good detail. Do you know if the feathers will grow back?
ReplyDeleteNice photos. I always have a hard time getting good photos of them because they don't visit the yard that often, and when they do they are in and out very quickly. I rarely see them perch for long. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful close-ups. Poor hawk losing some of its flight feathers.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos of the hawk. I have not gotten any good hawk photos as of yet- but yours are an inspiration. Really, really outstanding photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for your comments. The opportunity for these closeups came with standing only about three or four meters from this hawk; from within my own living room. Our feeder area is very close to our house and a large window offers me very close views sometimes.
ReplyDeleteruthiej:
I do think feathers grow back in for when once posting a photo of a Blue Jay without tail feathers that seemed to be the general consensus of most.
mary:
Up until about ten years ago I knew very little about birds but now by having my camera as a constant compainion and several guide books on birds on hand I have discovered many fascinating details about birds and their identifying features.
sandpiper:
The detail was definitely enchanced by my closeness.
nw naturenut:
They are very quick sometimes. A hawk visited again yesterday but before I could get its picture it was gone.
april:
The loss of its flight feathers was a reminder to me that sometimes maybe the roles are reversed and perhaps it becomes the hunted rather than being the hunter. I do wonder what might have happened.
daniel:
Hawks have great appeal to me and I totally enjoy these photo oppotunities when they present themselves. Glad that you enjoy.
What a great catch.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!