Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), San Rafael Valley south about six miles on FR 58, Santa Cruz County

This Rough-legged Hawk was discovered by Will Janousek on 15 December 2012 and photographed by Jim Lawrence on 08 March 2012.

Rare and irregular winter visitor. 

White tail with dark band; black belly band; black carpal or wrist patches. Also hovered while hunting similar to American Kestrel.

08 March 2012, photo by Jim Lawrence

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer