Rough-legged Hawk (light phase)

Description:

A winter visitor to this area these soaring hawks have light and dark phases (or morphs), with variations in between. The light phase has a distinctive light-colored head, in contrast to its dark upperside.

Habitat:

Spotted on a power pole next to the Umptanum road. This area is rolling hills with deep canyons covered with sage brush. These birds will return to the Arctic in the spring.