Image of Swainson's Hawk

Description:

"Swainson's Hawk 2nd year bird Bastrop Co., Texas 11 May 2013 This is a very unusually plumaged young Swainson's Hawk. I'm posting it just to show some of the variations in plumage this species can show on occasion. By the long wings (which can be seen extending past the end of the tail in the 2nd shot) it pretty much has to be a Swainson's. The only other breeding buteos in this area are Red-tailed and Red-shouldered. This was in the middle of extensive pastureland. Despite iNat's ""out-of range"" designation, Swainson's Hawks are common breeders all over the Austin area and always have been."