We have been observing an unusually large and extremely dark Red Tailed Hawk in Mississauga. I scoped the bird today and this is what I've found: Very dark eyes Yellow bill with dark tip Looking face on it has a white "nub" at the top of the beak where it meets the forehead Very light tail feathers on the bottom, however the top feathers are Red with the typical black horizontal line which seems to be rather bold On the wing and from below the bird has light primaries and secondaries, the rest are dark. There are a very few head feathers that are showing white, with other very small patches elsewhere.
I'm posting this as it's the largest RT Hawk I've ever seen as well as the darkest. Could it be "Harlan's"? or just a large immature? It is usually located in the trees at the north west end of the field at the following location: Boarded by Burnhamthorpe, Confederation Parkway, Webb Drive and Grand Park - I would suggest parking on Webb Drive and view from the sidewalk access from 403 coming from the west, south onto Mavis, east onto Burnhamthorpe, first light turn right (Grand Park), first 4 way stop turn right (Webb Drive) access from 403 coming from the east, south onto Hurontario turn right onto Burnhamthorpe, turn left at Confederation Parkway (just west of the YMCA), turn right at Webb Drive and go west If anyone would like to join us, feel free to email and we'll pick a time and day. thanks Sue & Dan Suess, Mississauga Mark - Is this something you'd prefer on the new chat line or is this an appropriate posting?
