Just for Fun - Guess My Species

[Anita Rakestraw]

Was out photographing on a drizzly day, spotted this bird on top of a large round hay bale, preening and enjoying the shower. I have identifying images but kinda like this one and wondered if anyone would like to guess what he is?

7-29-08, 4:24 p.m.
1DMkIII, 500mm lens with 2x ext. fl 1000
1/200, f/2.8, ISO 400

[Paul Burgess]

Osprey?

-Paul

[Anita Rakestraw]

Sorry, Paul, but thanks for guessing!

[Paul Burgess]

I missed that it was on a hay bale.:o Is it a young Red-tail?

[Alfred Forns]

I was going to guess Osprey also !!! Neat angle !!!

[Fabs Forns]

The feathers show an immature raptor that has not had a meal for two days. His father died shortly after he fledged but the mother did a good job of raising him.
Other than that, no clue :)

[Alfred Forns]

...... you have been watching Criminal Minds too much ... profiling birds :)

[Fabs Forns]

---------:D----------

[Susan Griffith]

femal or juvi Kestral?

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Peregrine Falcon.

[Anita Rakestraw]

I thought the yellow feathers showing on the right side, and the hay stack, would make this fairly easy, but guess not. Here's another picture:

[Doug West]

I was going to say the back of my head until I saw the latest pic.

I'll say a Meadowlark.

Doug

[Harold Davis]

i say meadowlark too!!

[Alfred Forns]

This was a fun post Anita !!! Thanks !!! Eastern meadowlark !!! Neat !!!

[Anita Rakestraw]

Yep, KS state bird. Glad you enjoyed it!

[Anita Rakestraw]

I was going to say the back of my head until I saw the latest pic.

I'll say a Meadowlark.

Doug

You're too funny, Doug!

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Really enjoyed this post Anita and I was ready to say a red shouldered hawk. Yoiu sure had me fooled. Great capture and thanks for all the fun !!!!

[Anita Rakestraw]

Thanks, Judy!

[Jim Poor]

How cool! I was thinking Starling until I saw the profile view.

[Anita Rakestraw]

Thanks, Jim!