Thanks to Tom for the suggestion of a mail N. Harrier. That's a distinct possiblility, as I finally found a book which says they f hover.
On the other hand, this bird was flying at a greater height than I usually see Harriers, and hovering a LOT. The white area I mentioned appeared much larger than the usual white rump of a Harrier. Despite the atmospheric distortion
because of the great distance, my two companions and I Believed the tail to be white, not grey with a dark band near the end.
BTW, is it currently Black-shouldered or White-tailed? How about calling it the Black and White Kite, or the Several-shaded Monochromatic Kite?
Michael Brown
MBEB1215 at delphi.com
Puyallup, WA