ID expertise needed (pics included)

[Tom Wilson]

These two photos are not good photos, (they're kind of crappy actually) but they're all I was able to get from probably 400 yards away. Now as some of you know I'm no slouch at bird ID, but this one I can't positively identify. The only thing that I can come up with is a gyrfalcon. These birds can be a range of morphed colors from black to snow white. The body size was relative to the description of a gyrfalcon, and there is nothing else that I can find that has a white head, or the possibility of a white head through abnormal color conditions. The sharp hooked bill, is also a clue that this is what it could be. My books however list these as extremely rare visitors to this area (in winter), so I'm stumped. Somebody throw me a bone here if you know--I'm gonna be sending these photos off to have them officially ID'd unless someone can give me a definitve answer.

[Nymph]

The books that I have matches it up with the Rough-Leggeded Hawk. Its hard to tell without seeing the tail.

They shows it to winter in the U.S. but its summer range is the northern part of Canada and Alaska.

[buzzsaw]

Tom, it could very well be a gyrfalcon... one was recently spotted down at the River valley. I'm not saying thats what it is, just that it is possible to see them in Minnesota.

[Tom Wilson]

Nymph,

I too had a thought that it could have been a Rough Legged, but I only found one photo of a rough legged, where there was any real blotchy color variation, and found several photos of the gyrfalcon that resembled this. The only thing that still makes me want to agree with you is the dark strip around the eye, however, I found absolutely no proof that a Rough legged would have an almost completely white or off white head and shoulders.

????? You're probably right though.

[Tom Wilson]

Well Nymph, I'm almost 100% sure now that you are right, I found some photos on the cornell site that show the white head and dark chest and its pretty much spot on for the head and chest, the back and wings in those photos don't look that dark, and mottled, but they describe it as a color trait. Even though I found photos of the gyrfalcons that resemble the bird I photographed--I think you're right. Thanks for the ID.

[Steve Foss]

It's not a gyrfalcon. Pretty sure on that. It's a buteo of some type, almost certainly either a rough-legged or red-tailed. Both species show tremendous color variation, and then there are the strange genetic color lacks and lapses the include albinism and melanism to name just two. So for me, without seeing an underwing view, I wouldn't be inclined to give an opinion either way. Too many plumage variables with the current view.

It will be interesting to see what the ornithologist you sent them to has to say. Did you send them to the Raptor Center, or where?

[buzzsaw]

My turn, I took this photo down in the River Valley a few weeks ago and am thinking RedTailed Hawk, but am not totally sure.... could it be an Osprey this time of the year? I wouldn't think so but stranger things have happened. Help me out Guys.

[Tom Wilson]

Buzz,

That one's definitely a Red Tailed.

Tom W

Oh by the way--I'm out of the question now for a photo run this week. My dad suffered a stroke yesterday, and I am gonna be leaving for Texas in just a little bit here. I might be back for the weekend, but it is up in the air.

Tom W

[WifeKidsandDog]

So sorry to hear about your father.

Godspeed.

Cheryl P.

[buzzsaw]

Tom, I am so sorry! Thats tragic news and my wishes are with your family.

Regards,

Mike

[Dotch]

Sorry to hear that Tom. Prayers are with your father, you and your family.

Dotch

[The_Duckslayer]

Tom... I hope and pray that your dad will be OK! Will keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers! Take care././Jimbo

[jonny_redhorse]

Our thoughts are with you Tom......jonny