16 September 2000 Klickitat County Fall Migration Survey
At 1750 on 16 September 2000, I was driving south on the BZ-Glenwood Road. About 200
meters north of the bridge I observed a buteo heading toward me, just over tree top level from
the east (in this area the trees were sparse). Immediately I noticed from profile and flight pattern
that it wasn't a red-tailed hawk. I stopped the truck and got my binoculars on the bird. The bird
showed at least 4 distinct dark/white/dark tail bands from underneath. The bird was roughly red-tailed size and the tail was relatively long. The underparts were barred and the dark (rufousy)
underwing coverts contrasted sharply with the lighter primaries and secondaries. I hopped out of
the truck, as the bird passed behind my truck before disappearing over the trees. The bird was
buffeted several times by the wind (which had picked up considerably from earlier in the day), at
one point I was able to see faint white windows in the primaries. These were not as distinct as I
have seen in other red-shouldered hawks, but they were apparent. The angle of light may have
made them less distinct. Observation time was less than 30 seconds. At no point was I able to
see the upper parts of the bird.
Based on the rather slim body, relative tail length, number of obvious tail bands (at quick
glance), the faint white windows in the primaries, and the strongly contrasting underwings and
coverts, this bird was determined to be an adult red-shouldered hawk. Broad-winged hawk was
on my mind, but the again the body profile (not as stocky as a BW should be), the tail length and
pattern, high covert/flight feather contrast ruled out broad-winged hawk.
Submitted by Joe Engler