Voting Comments

Broad-winged Hawk
Record #61-B-09

1st Round: 6-1
2nd Round: 7-0

1st Round

2nd Round

11-21-2009
Sturts --Accept

A difficult identification - other hawks were carefully eliminated.

02-27-2010
Sturts--Accept

I'm staying with my 1st vote for the same reason

27 November 2009
Hardy--Accept

Although I am not comfortable with the paucity of plumage details, the small size of this buteo eliminates other possibilities, including, I think, RSHA. RSHA is not as dramatically smaller than a RTHA as is a BWHA, plus a RSHA would be expected to look longer tailed than a RTHA, whereas a BWHA is similarly proportioned to a RTHA. I suppose a southwestern exotic is a possibility based on size, like perhaps a Gray Hawk, but I don't think they would appear unmarked below.

23 February 2010
Hardy--Accept

Same comments as first round.

11-28-09
Carlisle--Accept

convincing description

2-25-10
Carlisle--Accept

no change from round 1

12-13-2009
Dave Trochlell--Accept

I'm convinced.

03-03-2010
Dave Trochlell--Accept

I'm still convinced.

12-27-2009
Chuck Trost--Accept

Even though the sighting was distant, the size, shape, and flight with red-tails for comparison are enough to convine me.

5-6-10
chuck trost--Accept

While I agree that size can be subjective, direct comparison with soaring a red-tail leaves little doubt. I don't know what else it could have been.

12-26-2009
Darren Clark--Reject, specific identification not established

The features described in the report were fairly subjective. Relative size can be deceiving. The flight style and position of the wings though important, do not leave me 100% satisfied with the identification of this bird as a Broad-winged Hawk, though I believe it probably was one.

03-09-2010
Darren Clark--Accept

After re-reading the report. I can't imagine what else this hawk would have been. I'm changing my vote to accept.

2/10/10
Charles Swift--Accept

Good description and good timing for a north bound migrant.

3/27/10
Charles Swift--Accept

Accept again, this seems to be a species that although rare is likely to be regular as a spring north bound migrant.