Possible red-tail hawk?

[Renol]

Was walking around at the Morton Arboretum in LIsle, IL taking pictures of the trees turning, when I spotted this guy having a snack. I don't see too many raptors since I live in the city, but to me this one seemed huge!

I did some research and from what I can tell it's probably a female red-tailed hawk. I hesitate to confirm that however as compared to a pair I saw back in February, this was about twice the size and the closest image I saw to what this one looks like indicated it was a juvenile.

Anyways, I'd appreciate a confirmation on the ID if anyone could provide it. C&C is welcome of course too.

 

[prodigy2k7]

Awesome captures. I would love to take some photos of these guys

 

[Renol]

Thanks! This is only the second raptor I've ever seen up-close that wasn't in the zoo. Figure it's been 8 months since I saw the last one.

 

[JacobGriz]

wow, nice pictures! hawks are pretty awesome.