Coolcameragirl,
My name is Jimmy Huddleston and I am a wildlife biologist as well as an amateur photographer. As a biologist, I deal with gallinaceous (ground feeding) birds and have attached many leg bands and radio transmitters. The black antenna that you are seeing is in fact attached to a radio transmitter. It is more than likely attached either around the birds neck and hidden under the feathers (this aids in not only securing the transmitter, but also helps prevent interference with mate selection during the breeding season), or it is attached to the raptors back in one of a number of varoius methods. With this being a migratory raptor, I would assume that the transmitter also contains a GPS beacon that allows the biologists to track this bird over long distances as well. The green band on the left leg is for "quick" identification in the field when performing routine checks of the raptor, and the silver aluminum band is stamped with numbers that allow biologists to look up all technical data that was gathered from the bird when it was trapped an processed for research. This data includes stuff like the trap dates, bird weight, trap location, etc.

I do believe this to be a Red-tailed hawk as richardh76 stated, but raptors are some of the most difficult birds to identify solidly.

I do want to say that this is a great picture! Keep up the good work!

Let me know what you think of these. I used 3 lights this time and tried to follow all the advice I've been given from my fellow hogs. I absolutely love the 5th image even though the color is off - there's just something about it that I keep going back to. I have to tell you, I've always loved photography but one thing that's held me back is anxiety and shyness. I met these 2 families through craigslist - (I'm offering free sessions for practice). And decided to take the mindset of making it all about them, making them comfortable, really getting to know them, etc and I've had so much fun! It's taken what I already love to a whole new level. I'm really glad I went for it and if anyone out there was scared to take the step I want to say Just do it, people are people.