My Funny Picture

Can someone identify this wild bird that keeps coming to my backyard? Pics included!?

This HUGE bird, hawk-ish looking, keeps visiting my backyard...Im guessing to look for food? Can someone tell me what bird this is? Id really like to learn more about it, as I love observing the animals that frolick in my backyard. Here are two pictures to help with identification: Pic 1: http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i469/avianwatcher1111/birdedited.jpg Pic 2: http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i469/avianwatcher1111/PA040048-1.jpg Also, I live in the mid-eastern US, if that helps with the identification... Thanks!

Public Comments

1. It looks like either a red tail or red shoulder hawk. If you have small dogs or cats, I would supervise them when they go out. They can be a tasty snack for the hawk
2. can only see one pic that's dark and blurry, but I'd guess it's a Peregrine Falcon. Edit: pics look more like the red tail/shouldered hawk the above person mentioned. And I'm no expert, so don't go with my answer! But, you're the one who's seeing it up close so look for more coloring/markings to help identify it.
3. Looks like a red tail.
4. falcon, hawk?