Hawk in Skagit Valley WA

[Jackie Pritchard]

I was driving through the Skagit Valley mid-day yesterday  (11/9) & saw this hawk on a telephone wire. I could not see much of the breast or undersides or tail but I got a good look at the head. The area is flat farm fields. I knew it was not the very common red-tailed or an equally common bald eagle. I am guessing a sharp-shinned or rough-legged but I am terible with raptors.

[Colton V]

It’s a Rough-legged Hawk with its pale head and pale base to the tail feathers. Sharp-shinned would be slimmer, with a longer, thickly barred tail. 
edit: Habitat is also a helpful clue. Rough-legged hawks prefer large, flat open areas like where you were, while sharpies are more likely to be found in forested areas. 

Edited November 11, 2022 by Colton V

[The Bird Nuts]

15 hours ago, Colton V said:

It’s a Rough-legged Hawk with its pale head and pale base to the tail feathers. Sharp-shinned would be slimmer, with a longer, thickly barred tail. 
edit: Habitat is also a helpful clue. Rough-legged hawks prefer large, flat open areas like where you were, while sharpies are more likely to be found in forested areas. 

☝️👍

[Jackie Pritchard]

Thanks to you both for the confirmation.