2-21-09 Red shouldered hawk

On the way out, the Future Scientists spotted two red-shouldered hawks at close view. Thanks Eli for the photo!

The red-shouldered hawk is slightly larger than crow-sized, and the Future Scientists noted its ruddy chest and distinctively black-and-white banded tail. The broad-winged hawk can be a similar sized bird but it's too good for us, and only passes through the continental U.S. on its way migrating south. The red-shouldered hawk is a glutton for punishment like the rest of us Ohioans and can stick around for the winter.