Winter Raptors

Rough-legged Hawk
In western Washington State in the summer we see mostly Red-tailed hawks Buteo jamaicensis and Bald Eagles Haliaeetus leucocephalus as our diurnal raptors, along with the occasional Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, American Kestrel Falco sparverius , Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii, and rarely much else.
In winter it is another game altogether. Rough-legged Hawks visit from the north.

Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus
We can see any of five possible falcons, with this Gyrfalcon our rare but regular visitor from its Arctic breeding grounds.

Merlins Falco columbarius do breed here in ralatively small numbers but are much easier to find in winter.

Immature Bald Eagle
Bald eagles are common at any season, but in winter near a river with a salmon run we can see dozens on some days.

Here is a typical adult Bald Eagle.
Another bird we see uncommonly in summer is Northern Harrier, which are much more common in winter.

This male Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius is called our Gray Ghost.
We curse the winter rain, fog, and cold but love the visiting raptors.
Good birding and good day!