Hawk - Entrapped In Duck Pen

06 October 2013

We had just gotten out of the truck after returning home from The St. Francis Blessing of The Animals service at St. Mary Anne's Episcopal church when we could hear the crows in that frenzy of call when they have found a perching owl in day light hours - but in this case a different bitter enemy who had somehow gotten into our neighbors enclosed duck pen - there were no visible signs of the net-like covering across the top being torn apart.  The hawk had not seemingly bothered the ducks and seemed more concerned at fleeing his captivity.  I took advantage of his enforced proximity and took about six to seven quick photos - by which time Mr. Hawk (I still have not identified him even though I have these good close-up photos - he might be one of the minor variants that are alluded to in my birding book) had entangled himself upside down in the netting and was unable to free himself.   

My wife and I now think that this is the Red-tailed Hawk = Buteo jamaicensi - with a colour variation from most birding books (the white legs and feet were what had me most confused).