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"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."
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"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."
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I am having major computer issues and was barely able to edit these enough to help me narrow down id. After a LOT of time doing that and then studying think i am correct here. I believe this is a sub-adult, light morph of this species. We first saw it and thought it was red-tailed because the tail did appear to have rufous coloration. Where the Swainson's light morph has darker or gray tail. But i found that there is a first molt or sub-adult plumage where the tail appears to have more of a brown or at least lighter color. Hopefully the true experts can chime in if I am wrong and I will turn in my guide books. Lol.
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I am having major computer issues and was barely able to edit these enough to help me narrow down id. After a LOT of time doing that and then studying think i am correct here. I believe this is a sub-adult, light morph of this species. We first saw it and thought it was red-tailed because the tail did appear to have rufous coloration. Where the Swainson's light morph has darker or gray tail. But i found that there is a first molt or sub-adult plumage where the tail appears to have more of a brown or at least lighter color. Hopefully the true experts can chime in if I am wrong and I will turn in my guide books. Lol.
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looking for an updraft
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looking for an updraft
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looking for an updraft