Please help me I. D. this bird.

[Herm Wallace]

I was photographing a Red Shouldered hawk today when this bird decided to attack the hawk. Please help me identify it. The photo is the last one in the raptor gallery.

Thanks

 

[LyleF]

That looks like an Osprey.

 

[jczinn]

Wow that's a funny shot. I think its a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (Lyle--he's referring to the last shot on the 2nd page in the Raptor Gallery..) Here's why--its a very small bird, less than the size of the hawk's head, but it has a very long tail and its got white edging around central dark tail feathers. Also, it has a white eye-ring. What's odd is the yellow on the belly, which is wrong for Gnatcatcher, but I think its just a reflection of the foliage and the light. If you look at the Gnatcatcher photos on this page you can see some showing the tail. http://www.herpindiego.com/Blue-grayGnatcatcher.html (Check the 12th shot down.)

Probably the Gnatcatcher has a nest nearby and that's why it was attacking the hawk. the hawk looks pretty unperturbed

 

[Herm Wallace]

Wow that's a funny shot. I think its a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (Lyle--he's referring to the last shot on the 2nd page in the Raptor Gallery..) Here's why--its a very small bird, less than the size of the hawk's head, but it has a very long tail and its got white edging around central dark tail feathers. Also, it has a white eye-ring. What's odd is the yellow on the belly, which is wrong for Gnatcatcher, but I think its just a reflection of the foliage and the light. If you look at the Gnatcatcher photos on this page you can see some showing the tail. http://www.herpindiego.com/Blue-grayGnatcatcher.html (Check the 12th shot down.)

Probably the Gnatcatcher has a nest nearby and that's why it was attacking the hawk. the hawk looks pretty unperturbed

I think you are correct on the I. D. The hawk ignored the bird.

Thanks