One Handsome Raptor: While driving across the Idaho mountain prairie this bird would fly ahead of the truck and land. When I drove closer it flew again. This happened 3-4 times.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

While driving across the Idaho mountain prairie this bird would fly ahead of the truck and land. When I drove closer it flew again. This happened 3-4 times. Finally it landed on a fence post and sat there long enough for me to take a few photos. They are not as sharp as I would have liked due to his being maybe 80 yards away. I am not sure of the name of the bird but a type of raptor, maybe a falcon but I am open to answers. I used the Sony RX10IV. All comments are welcome.

Dennis

(Download)

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

dennis2146 wrote:

While driving across the Idaho mountain prairie this bird would fly ahead of the truck and land. When I drove closer it flew again. This happened 3-4 times. Finally it landed on a fence post and sat there long enough for me to take a few photos. They are not as sharp as I would have liked due to his being maybe 80 yards away. I am not sure of the name of the bird but a type of raptor, maybe a falcon but I am open to answers. I used the Sony RX10IV. All comments are welcome.

Dennis

Well taken.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

photophile wrote:

Well taken.

Thank you Karin. Much appreciated.

Dennis

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

Awesome captures,well done!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Marilyng wrote:

Awesome captures,well done!

Thank you Marilyng for the fine comment. Much appreciated.

Dennis

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Nice captures.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Smart bird! It was probably hoping your truck would cause some yummy small prey to break cover.

My best guess is that's a Cooper's Hawk... but it's a really hard to say without knowing the size, tail shape, wings shape & spread and being certain of the coloration.

https://www.birdzilla.com/bird-identification/id-skill-development/bird-families/hawk.html

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

amfoto1 wrote:

Smart bird! It was probably hoping your truck would cause some yummy small prey to break cover.

My best guess is that's a Cooper's Hawk... but it's a really hard to say without knowing the size, tail shape, wings shape & spread and being certain of the coloration.

https://www.birdzilla.com/bird-identification/id-skill-development/bird-families/hawk.html

Thank you for taking a look and for your comment and link. A couple of people have commented that it is probably a Cooper's hawk.

Dennis

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent set Dennis.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

angler wrote:

Excellent set Dennis.

Thank you angler for a most appreciated comment.

Dennis

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Very nice set, Dennis.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

dennis2146 wrote:

While driving across the Idaho mountain prairie this bird would fly ahead of the truck and land. When I drove closer it flew again. This happened 3-4 times. Finally it landed on a fence post and sat there long enough for me to take a few photos. They are not as sharp as I would have liked due to his being maybe 80 yards away. I am not sure of the name of the bird but a type of raptor, maybe a falcon but I am open to answers. I used the Sony RX10IV. All comments are welcome.

Dennis

Awesome specimen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

joecichjr wrote:

Awesome specimen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Joe for taking a look. I always appreciate your comments.

Dennis

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

UTMike wrote:

Very nice set, Dennis.

Thank you Mike. Very kind of you to take a look and offer a comment.

Dennis

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I don’t know the species, but my guess is that this bird is stuffed, considering the size of its crop. Also, considering your comments about the bird flying short distances as you approached him (her), when these guys have finished a big meal, they don’t like flying much; too much effort. I had a red tail once perched on a post like this who allowed me to get really close and considering the size of his crop, we surmised he had just stuffed himself and had no interest in flying. Lucky you and good catch.