Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), Wickenburg, Maricopa County

Red-shouldered Hawks have been present for several years along the Hassayampa River in Wickenberg and have nested at this location (see fifth photo).  This year one was first reported in this area by Melanie Herring on 5 March 2010 at the Hassayampa River Preserve along the Mesquite Meander Trail.  This one was seen on 10 March 2010 by Jay Miller, James Kopitzke, and Tommy DeBardeleben a few miles north of the preserve in the town of Wickenburg behind a car dealership and Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. There is a long stretch of Cottonwood trees that Red-shouldered Hawks have been seen frequently at over the years, which are viewable behind this restaurant and car dealership. It seems like the hawks cover a lot distance along the Hassayampa River, often being seen at the preserve as well as this place in town.  It was photographed by Tommy DeBardeleben on 10 March 2010 and by Brendon Grice 13 March 2010. 

Rare in Arizona, but increasing, probably expanding it's range from California.

Checkered black and white on back and wings, orange-colored belly and shoulders, long black tail with narrow white bands, white crescent across base of outer primaries.  This very brightly colored adult is of the expected California race (B. l. elegans). 

10 March 2010, photos by Tommy DeBardeleben

 

 

Gathering sticks for a nest?

13 March 2010, photos by Brendon Grice

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer