Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), Watson Woods Riparian Preserve, Yavapai County

This Red-shouldered Hawk was discovered by Michael Nicosia on on 9 November 2009 and photographed by Michael on 23 January 2010. 

According to the "Birds of Prescott, Arizona" by Dr. Carl S. Tomoff this bird is considered to be an accidental winter visitor.  However, Red-shouldered Hawk has been increasing recently in Arizona and may be expanding it range eastward from California.  There are seven documented reports of this species in the AZFO archive since 2007.

Just enough of the breast pattern of this immature bird is visible in these photos to eliminate other species.  The heavy barring and streaking is consistent with this being a B. l. elegans, the expected western subspecies. 

23 January 2010, photos by Michael Nicosia

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