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

This Rough-legged Hawk was photographed by Roger Wood on 12 December 2013

Seen by Curt Lund, Bob Roderer and Roger Wood on 12/12/13.

Rare but usually annual in SE AZ.

A highly variable buteo with light and dark morphs. Light morphs have white tail with dark subterminal band, pale head, dark squarish carpal patch, and dark belly. They also have very small bills and fully feathered legs (not visible in this photo)

12 December 2013, photo by Roger Wood