Bare trees and short grass make winter one of the easiest seasons to spot birds of prey. Fence posts, utility poles and lone treetops along farm fields give hawks, falcons and eagles a clear view of the ground below. Here are ten that are commonly seen perched over open country when the weather turns cold.
1. Red-tailed Hawk: The roadside regular
Few raptors are easier to spot from a car window than the Red-tailed Hawk, which sits on fence posts, utility poles and tall trees beside pastures, farm fields and highways. All About Birds describes a species found across most of North America, with adults showing a rusty red tail. Many birds from colder regions stay through winter.
From a high perch, the hawk watches the ground for voles, mice and other small mammals, then drops onto them in a short glide. A pale chest crossed by a dark belly band helps separate it fr