Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2004-16


Common name:

Harris's Hawk

Scientific name: Parabuteo unicinctus
Date: June 24 [2004]
Time: 8-9 a.m.
Length of time observed: 15 minutes
Number: 1
Age: adult
Sex: not known
Location: Draper, 119th South 8th West
County: Salt Lake
Latilong:  
Elevation: apx. 4500 ft.
Distance to bird: apx. 40 ft
Optical equipment: Pentax Binoculars, Minolta camera
 
Weather: Summy, apx. 70 degrees
Light Conditions: Bright Daylight
Detailed description of bird: Dark brown body, Chestnut colored shoulders, White lower underbody, White stripe along bottom of tail, Brown legs, hooked bill. Walked along grass until it reached a kiddy pool. Flew up and landed on ridge of pool, spreading its wings for several seconds. Stepped along the edge of the pool (pool was on a slight hill) until it reached an area where it could dip down and get a drink... it drank 5-6 times. Stepped along the edge of the pool again and then stepped into the pool... it splashed around, came out and landed on the edge again, shaking and fluffing. It repeated the whole routine again, this time concentrating on washing its head. It went to the edge again and then took flight several minutes later. [see photos]
Song or call & method of delivery: none
Behavior: see bathing behavior above
Habitat: grass, trees, shrubs, garden, fenced yard
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Swainsons Hawk... did not match color patterns
 
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
none
References consulted: Sibley's Guide
Description from: Notes taken at time of sighting
Observer: Trish Wlodarczyk
Observer's address: 818 Alan Point Circle Draper Utah
Observer's e-mail address: trishwlodarczyk@hotmail.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Paul Wlodarczyk
 
Date prepared: July 10, [2004]    (General Public)
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: Digital Pictures were already sent to the birdtalk site via Milton Moody. People commented that they thought the talons looked strange... I did not notice anything attached to the talons and legs of this hawk.