Can't identify this Hawk

by Michelle
(London, Ontario, Canada )

I saw 2 hawks (I think) circling for quite some time on April 27, in the London area over a field. Quite beautiful but unfortunately no photo.

They circled right above me and I was fascinated just to watch.

Pale, yellowish underside but what I thought was very interesting was the well defined brown markings near the body and about half the width of the wing.

It reminded me of markings on the wings of world war 2 bombers!

I don't know much about these birds and quite possibly this is a common bird but I found it very unusual!

I would love to know what it was.

I've had a few people tell me it was a Red Tailed Hawk and it may well have been, but the bands on the underside were very well defined and vertical beside the body so not less well defined and horizontal.

That's why it reminded me of a warplane.

I'd love to hear what it was!

Just to add a bit more info - it could well be a Red Tailed Hawk but the markings on the underside were very different.

It reminded me of a warplane because the dark bands on the underside were very well defined and vertical to the body and about half the wing in length.

I'd love to hear what it is! Thanks!

I'm no expert but perhaps one of our readers will be able to identify this hawk from your description.