While it was not the FOY bird, the appearance of our "resident" California
Quail, along with a first-winter White-throated Sparrow, was a delight.
But the most interesting bird was a rather strange, but beautiful
Red-tailed Hawk. I'm wondering if others have seen a comparable bird.
It was fairly close, on the end of a dead branch. The breast was
very white with some streaking on the side, more below. What caught my
eye was the head. Light-colored bill, with a black area all around it, and
then a rufous head - about the same color as the tail. The back was more a
deep brown, which made a real contrast to the head. I've looked at all my
bird guides, and have not found any pictures that are even close. None
show the black circling the bill and front of the head. Another odd thing
was that the bird appeared very short-tailed when sitting, but that was
probably just an illusion, as it's tail, upon flying away, was a normal
bright rufous tail. Any thoughts?


************************
Robert Cleland

Professor (Emeritus), Biology Dept. Box 355325
Univ. of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-5325
Phone (206) 543-6105; FAX (206) 685-1728