[nuconvert]

looks like a Northern Goshawk

[Rodamala]

I was inclined to say Northern Goshawk as well, based mostly on the flecking on the legs, but adolescent birds of prey are very different from adult birds. Also, Northern Goshawks would probably not nest near humans. They are a bit reclusive, deep woods birds.

The definitive answer would be had in taking a look at the eyes of the parents. I recall that adult Northern Goshawks have red eyes, which is something you don't see very often.

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

I’ll go for “Goshawk” for $2,000, Alex. Look at the plumage on the legs. Red hawks don’t have that.

Once saw a Red hawk at the bus stop at the Pentagon (where else would you find a hawk?). Had a wingspan of at least 5 feet, and sat unnoticed on a chain-link fence at the new bus-stops.

I had spotted him in a tree about 200-300 feet away (he stood out among all the other birds), but when he flew in and landed on the fence, you knew who he was, the king of the sky.

Awesome bird. He looked around, decided not to eat any of those waiting in line, and took off in one major flap of his wings.

Today Obama has outlawed any hawks in or near the Pentagon.