Yesterday was a big day for birds, with a list of birds I saw, much longer than usual.

There was one though that was a BIG bird. Considerably larger than I usually see. A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). The second largest hawk found here in Virginia. A species of bird with so many subspecies, that my head spins. Fourteen in all. And then there are the variations between juveniles and adults. Total confusion.

Here in Virginia this hawk is a year-round resident. And is found in nearly all parts of North America.

If you are like me, used to seeing dainty little Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s Hawks, and see a very chunky hawk, be thinking maybe it is the Red-tailed Hawk.

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