>I had a pretty good look at the bird, but still wonder if I identified it
>correctly. The field marks included a dark face and throat, rufous bib and
>belly, a dark belly band, no shoulder patch as far as I could tell, a two
>tone underwing patern, and a red tail.

Any red-shouldered with a red tail has been roosting in a paintpot. If
there is a red-shouldered hawk there (no reason to presume not) you weren't,
I'm afraid, looking at it.

However, red-tailed hawks are perfectly acceptable for viewing, very
aesthetic, and we needn't be ashamed if we find ourselves ogling one.

They don't all need to be red-shouldered hawks or common buteos for
them to be cool.

After all, birds of prey are cool (words to the song will be posted on
request).

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, at (NEW) http://donb.photo.net