Beyond Osprey, Eagles and certain other species, my knowledge is horrible. A friend took this photo and asked me for ID help, I believe it a large hawk, but can't ID it. Please help?? Thank you in advance!
Bill
Posted by Luke Ormand on March 6, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Looks like a light morph Rough-legged Hawk. Found around the norther eastern states during the winter. Much more prevalent in other parts of the country during winter
Not a lot of field marks to go by from this angle, but from what is shown I agree with Luke. Remember to tell us where the photo was taken and what time of year; it helps a lot.
Posted by David Graham on March 7, 2013 at 9:50 AM
Amen to light morph B. lagopus. During the 1960s in Upstate NY (Ithaca,Tompkins County) when wintering populations of rough leggeds were high they could be observed roosting communally. I twice counted as many as nine in the same roost tree on the grounds of the State Pheasant Farm, now the Richard Davis State Pheasant Farm. Mr. Davis was the manager of the farm when I was living in that area, and he routinely set pole traps to catch any and all raptors attracted to the pheasant pens...as well as any other birds that might choose such an unfortunate perch.
Thank you much Luke, Jim and David!! Luke nails it again it appears. :)
Jim, my apologies, you are entirely correct of course--it's been awhile since I posted an ID, my bad. Northeastern PA, taken within the last month I believe my friend told me.
David, nine of these these beautiful raptors together??? Wow. Great-looking birds!
Discussion
5 repliesBill
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rough-legged_Hawk/id
Dave Graham
East River, SD
Jim, my apologies, you are entirely correct of course--it's been awhile since I posted an ID, my bad. Northeastern PA, taken within the last month I believe my friend told me.
David, nine of these these beautiful raptors together??? Wow. Great-looking birds!