Hi -
I observed and photographed a Rough-legged Hawk at Yaquina Head this morning,
Oct. 18, 2015.
It was in dark phase immature plumage which puzzled me for a few minutes.
Underwing pattern was very typical for Rough-legged, with dark wing linings and
pale to whitish in the flight feathers. Under surface of the tail was pale,
gradually darkening toward the tip, forming a diffuse dark terminal band.
Breast and belly were fairly dark and mottled, with no obvious belly band.
Upper surface of the tail was even gray-brown whith no white band. Upper
surface of the wings was soft gray-brown with a big pale patch in the
primaries. Back was basically gray-brown. Head was a bit paler, with a distinct
supercilium.
Wayne
