Unknown Hawk

[moratorian]

Hi,

I shot this hawk a few weeks ago at the Leslie Spit. I have tried to identify it with not much luck. It's not a very good picture. I have come up with two possibilities: an immature redtail or a Rough-legged light morph. I have not heard of any reports of the latter at the Spit so I doubt it is that. Any suggestions.

http://outdoorontario.net/Gallery/Mikes ... own_Hawk_1

Mike M.

[Mark D]

I'm no expert, but my guess is a rough-legged light morph.  It has a light chest and what looks like a dark belly.  Did you see it in flight? If you did, and it had dark wrists, the rough-legged is probably your bird.

Mark

[Anonymous]

Looks like a rough-legged hawk to me.

[moratorian]

Unfortunately I didn't see it in flight. It was quit a distance away and had gone when I got closer. But I did meet a birder at the Spit today (Sat.) who told me that he had seen a Rough-legged dark morph. It's nice to know I'm not competely off on my identifications.  Thanks guys.

 Mike M.

[cjywatson]

Also, there *was* a light morph rough-legged at the spit a few weeks ago, so I think you've got your man.  Gave some great views to the few birders who were out there.