Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), San Rafael Grasslands, Santa Cruz County

This Rough-legged Hawk was discovered and photographed by Philip Kline on 23 January 2013.  Philip writes: "Adult female at Vaca Ranch Corral. There may be two or more birds in the Grasslands this winter. I observed a probable immature Rough-legged Hawk that was very wary and never allowed close approach about 6 miles to the south the previous evening. The female pictured here was obviously quite approachable."

Very rare in southern Arizona in winter.

Black belly and wrist marks. Streaked upper breast.  Small bill.  White tail with broad subterminal band. 

23 January 2013, photo by Philip Kline

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