Rough-legged Hawk in Marin

Don Bartling, long time local naturalist and photographer has been doing a great job on documenting the migrating and over-wintering raptors in the area this season. He caught this Rough-legged Hawk near the Nicasio Valley Reservoir in Marin County. We have been experiencing quite a few Rough-legged Hawks this fall.
photos on this post are courtesy and property of Don Bartling copyright 2012.

Rough-legged Hawk, Dark Carpal "patches" or "blocks", dark terminal band on tail, light colored head, visible eye strip, classic Buteo form, lack of dark trialing edge on wing, nice clean unmarked patagial. This bird comes from the far north.

(above) I am thinking juvenile, need to check the guide.


(below) Good size comparison to the White-tailed Kite. The Rough-legged hawk also can kind of look like a Golden Eagle.

All photos are copyright Don Bartling 2012