More about my favorite subjects, the raptors. These two species of hawks, the Red-tailed and the Swainson’s, can cause ID difficulties to the unsuspected. They are similar in shape and sizes. The adult Red-tailed is easy to identify by checking out the red tail. But beware, the younger ones have yet to get that color into the tail. As for the Swainson’s, the adult has that unmistakeable brown bib.
Anyway, here is an adult Red-tailed Hawk that I photographed Thursday afternoon at Middle Concho Park here in San Angelo.
Red-tailed Hawk
Here is a Red-tailed Hawk in flight that I photographed several months ago.
Red-tailed Hawk in flight
Below are a few images of the Swainson’s Hawk.
Swainson’s Hawk
Swainson’s Hawk
The next photo isn’t too great aesthetically, but we happened to come across the adult Swainson’s Hawk protecting her baby from he brutal 110 degree Texas sun that day, about a year ago.
Adult Swainson’s Hawk shielding her baby from the hot sun.
Click on any image to see an enlargement.
Here is something new that I have added to my blog. Click here to see my new website featuring my Fine Art Gallery. I have just started adding photos to it so you will have to check it periodically, as it is a work in progress. I hope you like it. From there you just gaze at my work, and if you get interested in buying, you can also do that.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Keep the pictures coming! I love getting these emails. I’m learning to more easily identify birds through your posts, and its helpful to follow someone who lives in the same state you happen to bird in! Thanks, Brittny M. (Lubbock, Tx)
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:32:18 +0000 To: brmetal789@hotmail.com
Thanks, Brittny. I agree, it’s nice to hear from someone that birds in Texas. I am glad you commented and hope you will do so again.
Great photographs and superb birds, Bob! I particularly like the Red Tailed hawk in flight! Gorgeous!
Cheers!
John
Thank you very much, John. I love the Red-tails.
Terrific shots of these amazing birds Bob!
Thank you very much, Phil.
i love watching hawks but have very few photos so thanks for sharing, Bob.
Really my pleasure, Jane. 🙂
Really like these…especially that momma protecting her little one!
Thanks, Rob, I appreciate it.
Great shots, Bob! Especially love the Red-Tailed in flight. I have never seen a Swainson’s, now I’ll know what one looks like. Another ID tip for the Red-Tailed if the tail is out of view is the “belly band.” The Swainson’s on the nest is priceless.
Thanks, Lisa, for the great comment. I’ll remember the tip about the “belly band.”
Great hawk shots, Bob! Raptors are also my favorites also. And, by the way, kudos on your Fine Art Gallery. It is a nice showcase of your best work.
Thanks, Dwynn. I appreciate your compliments. The gallery is a work in progress and I hope to add more of my landscapes and other subjects. I am glad you like it.
The first Red-tailed Hawk has a sharp eye on you! I also am mesmerized by the in flight photo and the Swainson providing shade for her baby is a wonderful capture. As always, you do amazing work and thanks for posting.
Thank you, Beth. I really appreciate all of your kind words.
I agree with the other commenters, the Red-tailed Hawk in flight is amazing. Love your new gallery too, Bob – glad to see you’re including some of your wonderful landscapes too.
Thank you very much, Jo. I intend to go through my files and select a few more of my landscapes. I appreciate you. 🙂
Amazing pictures!
Thank you very much.
Love the in-flight red-tailed hawk!
Hey, thanks, Shelly. Nice to hear from you.
That is a great photo of the Red-tailed Hawk in flight. I really like it. I bought a book this evening. Sort of a “how-to” book for the D7.
Thanks, Dave, I really appreciate it. Enjoy your book. 🙂
I love both Swainson’s and Red-tailed Hawks, they embody power, ruggedness and beauty!
Thanks, Mia, I agree with you 100%. 🙂