Raptors in Flight
Fall along the Pacific flyway is a time when birders keep their eyes to the sky to witness the magic of migration. While many birds migrate at night while we are sleeping, many birds of prey rely on thermals, or rising columns of air that form when the sun heats the earth to help them soar during peak daylight hours.
Migration is triggered by the search for food, so some species may remain near their breeding sites and forego the long journey in areas where food remains abundant all year, like here on the Olympic Peninsula.
As we approach the end of migration season, and birds are settling in their winter grounds, now is a great time to get familiar with our winter raptors in flight.
When identifying birds at a bird feeder, we may rely on field marks such as color, tail stripes, or breast streaks. Those details rarely reveal themselves when observing birds in flight that might just look like a speck on the horizon. Raptor experts typically focus on where the bird is seen (habitat), shape of the bird, and how they fly. Movement, rhythm, and cadence of a bird’s flight is discernible even at distance beyond where plumage patterns become indistinguishable. If you find yourself struggling trying to identify the soaring creatures above you, don’t worry, it gets easier with practice. The best place to start is to get familiar with the species that you are most likely to see. This guide covers the most common raptors found here during the winter months.
Hawks
Hawks can be broken into two groups: buteos and accipiters.
Buteos are built for soaring with broad-wings and a short tail that is often spread or fanned in flight. Included in this group is the most widespread and common hawk in North America, the red-tailed hawk. (Pictured right: Photo Credit: Dow Lambert)
These bulky birds are inhabitants of open country, and are commonly seen perched along the roadside, or soaring over fields.
Human actions such as forest thinning, and construction of highways have benefited this species.
Tip: If you see a large hawk perched along on a pole on Hwy 101, there is a high chance it is a red-tailed hawk!
Accipiters are hawks of the forest and can be recognized by their rapid, darting flight, frequently flying at low levels. These woodland raptors can be distinguished from the buteos by their shorter, broader, rounder wings and long narrow tails that allow for great maneuverability in dense woods.
The two most common accipiters to look for around here are sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawk. Telling these two apart is close to expert level birding but the best thing to consider when seen in flight is head projection. The sharpies’ small head barely projects beyond its wings as it juts its wrists forward. The Cooper’s larger head sticks out in front of its wings.
Falcons
Falcons can be identified in flight by their pointed, swept-back wings that lack fringed feathers at the edge like hawks, and straight tails. This is an optimal design for sustained speed and agile flight.
The three common falcons on the Olympic Peninsula are merlins, kestrels, and peregrines.
Merlins are highly aggressive towards other raptors. If you spot a falcon harassing other birds, its likely a merlin. Deep, powerful, and rapid wingbeats are another good distinguishing clue.
Kestrel’s flight is more bat-like, with aerial jerkiness that helps identify it from the direct flight and steady wingbeats of other falcons.Peregrines are bulkier than the other two falcons. Their bigger wings allow them to soar with more ease than the other falcons.
Harriers
Northern Harriers are birds of open fields, grasslands, and marshes. They have long wings and long tails that are uniquely designed for gliding low and slow over the landscape. When observing a norther harrier, you will notice the distinguishing pattern of heavy flaps and titling glides with wings held in a strong dihedral.
Tip: Look for Northern Harriers soaring over the marshes near Three Crabs!(Photo Credit: Dave Shreffler)
Eagles
Chances are, if you live on the Olympic Peninsula, or have visited the area, you have seen the magnificent bald eagle. Once close to extinction, but now common raptors can be identified in flight by broad wings they hold flat like a board (not in a V-shape dihedral like northern harriers.) Also, the large head and long bill are sizable enough to notice even in flight. The white head and white tail feathers are often a clear giveaway to what you are looking at but remember, bald eagles do not obtain white feathers until they are several years old. Juvenile bald eagles are often misidentified as golden eagles which are typically only seen at higher elevations in the alpine regions of the Olympic Mountains.
Observing raptors is sometimes thought of as the gateway to birding. Their large size, impressive adaptations, and soaring abilities are awe inspiring and sure to capture our attention. Identifying raptors in flight can be challenging, but it’s certainly never dull.
We hope this guide helps you on your journey of discovering more about our local big, beautiful, birds of prey!