Hi Tweeters,

I took these pictures of what I think may be a Prairie Falcon near Red
Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Montana back in late June. I
couldn't get a really good look, the bird flew off over the hill and
out of sight before I could get a look through a scope. I didn't even
see the bird in flight since I was messing with the scope when it took
off, so I didn't see its wing shape. I've never seen a Prairie Falcon
before. It was definitely the right size, seemed too small and too
pointy and swept-back-looking from the rear view for the buteo
possibilities but then again I don't know. Eyes look dark maybe but
it's hard to tell. Could be a Rough-legged Hawk, or a Goshawk. Doesn't
look like a harrier to me. But I sure want to know what he/she is.

So...Prairie Falcon? or what?

http://home.comcast.net/~surnia/mysteryraptor1.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~surnia/mystery2.jpg

Thanks for any input!

Alyssa Sampson
Maple Leaf
Seattle
alyssasampson at comcast.net