Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), South end of the Parker Valley, La Paz County

This Rough-legged Hawk was found by Jennifer, Michelle, and Cathy Tobin and photographed by Michelle Tobin on 14 February 2012

Very rare and irregular winter visitor.  Perhaps decreasing. 

This Rough-legged Hawk, a light morph, shows the typical whitish head and black belly. In flight black carpal patches are visible on the underwing. Note the petite, small-headed appearance and proportionately small bill.  The long tail is also distinctive for a Buteo.

14 February 2012, photo by Michelle Tobin

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