It is apparent that many of these hawks return to the same area year after year. In recent years, one or two have wintered around Fort Dick north of Crescent City. Owing to the scarcity of this species in our area, 'pure migrants' in northbound or southbound flight are almost never detected, but surely must overfly us at times. The identification of large hawks is an involved matter, but you may suspect a Ferruginous by noting a combination of all-white underparts, almost entirely white underwings, and whitish tail with a faint rusty wash. Adults are rusty-reddish across the back and shoulders.
Young birds have grayish-brown upperparts.
At all ages, a prominent whitish flash occurs across the base of the primaries as viewed from above. Any buteo soaring with a Common Raven, and which is plainly longer-winged than the raven, is likely of this species. In addition to their flashy plumage and impressive size, Ferruginous Hawks are notable for their habit of perching for long periods on the ground, even where elevated perches are available. However, they also use power poles, fenceposts, center-pivot sprinkler setups, and other lookout posts. Although they seem rather wary, roadside perching right along Highway 101 is sometimes noted around the north end of Arcata.