>
> On Wed, 19 Jul 1995, Jim Lady wrote: > > > I just returned from the
Montlake Fill and saw a raptor that I can't > > identify. > > > > The
head and breast were brown-white mottled, but mostly white, and the > >
back was brown. There was a distinctive white "ring" that extended along >
> the throat and up around the back of the head (which sorted of reminded
me > > of an owl). It had long tail feathers, and when it flew, a
distinctive > > white rump patch (like what Peterson shows for the Norther
Harrier). The > > head and bill were very "eagle-like." Long tail
feathers. The bird was > > maybe about a 18 inches long or so. The eyes
were yellow. > > > > The closest I could find was the Northern Harrier,
but the head is all wrong. > > > > It sat on the ground for a long time in
what I think is called the > > central pond (the one by the main path, all
dried up), and I was able to > > get within about 15 feet. I had plenty
of time to get a good look at it. > > > > Any ideas? > > > > Jim Lady > >
Center for Quantitative Science > > University of Washington > >

Well, after re-pondering this one, and discussing it last weekend with
experienced long time falconers, I have to re-conclude that this bird
is most probably not a Harris Hawk as I had thought...admittedly I wasn't
able to give the exact description, but I did remember key ID points and
it was thought this could be a Cooper's Hawk in the moult and looking
weird...the white butt patch is a bit troubling as Coop's only show that
from underneath...but, if the butt patch was that distinct I may have to
change my vote to N. Harrier...and maybe male as it sounded small...

Anybody been over there and seen any raptors around that come close to
the description?

Tom