Scott,
Your Sequim ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was not only early but unusual for the
Sequim area. The one that was around the 3 Crabs area from late December to
at least 2-25 last year is the only one for the county I have in my database
since I moved here in "93 (I think they have had a few on the hawk watch out
at Cape Flattery but most of those sightings are not in my county database).
This raises the question of whether this might be the same individual
returning for another winter. Was this an adult? Last year's was an immature
and I presume it would be in adult plumage this year but haven't checked to
see how long it takes them to become mature.
Bob Norton
Joyce, WA