In an earlier post, I described my stalking of a juvenile Broadwing Hawk.  I wanted to see one so badly…but around here in northeastern Pennsylvania, late August and early September is Broadwing migration season, where huge kettles can form over mountain slopes as the hawks catch airstreams south.  So watching this singular young’un day after day circle with a stick in its talon or perching on a play set kree kree kreee-ing didn’t match seasonal behaviors.

My curiosity, and birder integrity, demanded that I reexamine my ID.

I do affirm that I have been listening and watching a juvenile raptor.  But that belly band and the striped tail are indicative of a young Red-Tailed Hawk.

Lesson learned.

The next time I think I have an unusual spotting, I will ask myself “why is it NOT a Red-Tailed Hawk” instead of the brain freezing question “WHAT IS IT?”