Broad Wing Hawk

Finding a Broad Wing Hawk in River Ridge was a highlight of some birding my friend Jay and I did this weekend. We heard a call that sounded like a raptor just as we left the lower gate and started up Sideling Mountain Trail. We did some research on line and thought the call sounded like a Broad Wing. Jay recorded the sound, and we went back to the gate and played the recording. It responded! We actually called it in and saw it! The hawk is quite reclusive, doesn't soar like other hawks, and generally hides away in dense woodlands. Jay was very happy since this was the only North American Buteo he didn't have on his life list.