What type of bird is this....

Looks like a Red Tail Hawk to me. Definitely a hawk though. We have two right around our area that I see quite often. They will sit in a tree for hours and not move at all, just scanning the fields. I had one take off right next to the car last summer along the highway. When it got airborn, I realized it was clutching a snake in his talon. Must have been about 3 ft. long. Happened to quick to be able to take a pic. Amazing sight.

Jeff

They must like snakes. I have a pair of red shoulder hawks that nest in the front side yard. One day I was watching them and out of my left eye I see something , I turn and theres the adult with a snake. Flyed about 30 ft in front of me. Was cool.

We have a bunch of Red-Tails around here. They usually do laps over my yard in the summer looking for tasty rodents. Cool birds.

My father watched one divebomb a snake in his yard about 20 feet in front of him. Could see the thing squirming in it;s talons -- Awesome sight!

I have a family of them around my place. I havent seen too many chippies around anymore.

Ya , thats true here too. Dam pretty rats , thats all they are.

I always liked to call them rats with raceing stripes.

Just like their bigger furry cousin ... the gray one with the bushy tail -- A.K.A tree rat.