To learn about hawks, find a teacher
There is nothing like pairing up with an experienced hawk watcher to learn the skill of identifying birds at the species level. But even going outside by one's self and watching is important. The first thing to do when learning to identify individual raptors in flight, or perched, is to study the bird with your binoculars.
Take time to look at and determine the color of the bird's plumage. Is there a belly band of dark feathers across the bird's stomach area? What shape and color are the tail feathers. Is the tail squared off at the tip when the feathers are held together?
The red-tailed hawk, perhaps the easiest raptor to see in Pennsylvania, especially in the winter time when the birds tend to perch - in trees or own utility posts or wires in and near open field area, is also big. Red-tails make good birds for the beginning hawk watcher to study, with binoculars or the naked eyes.
Smaller hawks, like the sharp-shinned hawk and Cooper's hawk, can often be identified by their behavior. Both species prey on smaller birds, like the house sparrow, and are lightning fast when stooping on prey. As are the peregrine falcon, merlin, and American kestrel.
- Alan Gregory