twillrichardson's Identifications

My initial thought in the field was that this was a Red-tailed Hawk, so I didn't think much of the obs at the time. But that patchier, light-ish head (particularly the light supercilium patches) are now throwing me off. It still looks to have that dark/light/dark/light coleration down its frontside (like a RTHA), but the belly band looks less prominent to me compared with the patterning of a typical RTHA. Also, its upper breast area seems really white (maybe just a trick of the light due to atmospheric conditions?). Anyway, is this just a motling/mottled RTHA or something else (i.e. Ferruginous Hawk, as I cross my fingers - haha!)?

And sorry for the low-grade photos. It was pretty far away, and I didn't have much time with it before it swooped.

Thanks for your help!