Off-topic: What is this?

[cheme02]

I saw this bird on the way home the other day. It was on a light fixture next to Miramar College.

Now, I grew up in San Diego, and have seen plenty of birds, including red-tail hawks, falcons, owls, etc, but I dont recognize this one.

I suspect it may be a coopers hawk, but it almost looks like an eagle.

Anyone know for sure?

 

[SOCALFJ]

Whatever type it is, it's beautiful. Looks weird on a light pole vs out in a tree in the mtns.

 

[clownmidget]

osprey

 

[cheme02]

Yep, I'll buy that.

One of the raptors I forgot about.

Thanks

 

[Slomo]

Very cool. I haven't seen an osprey around SoCal before. There is a mating pair that used to nest on a stand in the middle of a small lagoon behind my buddys house at Bahia Santa Maria south of San Felipe. I always loved to watch them over a Ballena at sunset.

 

[LandCrusher'70]

Nice capture.

I used to live right near there. Maybe 7 years ago. I remember seeing 'large' birds on the lights but never really looked at them (I couldn't really see them anyway. I've got a bad case of CSS).