Red Tailed Hawk - Up Close

[JimmyM]

Have been sighting a red tailed hawk (about 20 ft away) in the same small tree located on the rt side of the off turn ramp from Erin Mills / Southdown Rd to QEW West - every Sat for most of the winter . Heavy traffic makes this spot a little dangerous for stopping . I did,however, and the hawk took off when it saw me - is not  bothered by car traffic, is by people .
Two weeks ago sighted 3 smaller hawks (only sighting)perched in a similar small tree a short distance from the resident . These 3 I could not ID in passing - they were black with a very pronounced white 'bib".
Thanks -
New member and first posting

[BirderBill]

Welcome to the Forum!  I am still something of a "fledgling" in the Forum, myself!

I think cars are sometimes the best "blinds" we can use.  Even in my own driveway at home, I can pull in, and none of the birds seems to take notice until the door opens!
Hawks will take advantage of the thermals rising from all the hot car engines to help when soaring.  It's just a shame they have to be inhaling all kinds of crap in the process...

[JimmyM]

BirderBill,
Many thanks for your response to my 1st posting . It means a lot to me to. I've retired from work just recently and have more time to become a more avid birder, a hobby I'm becoming really passionate about .
Your explantion re. warm exhaust thermals is most welcome .
Thanks,
Jim