While most hawks soar overhead while hunting, look low for the northern harrier. Sometimes they will soar overhead, but their preferred foraging style is a low patrol. They will glide along, possibly only a couple feet off the ground, trying to surprise unsuspecting prey.

They are uncommon to rare in Teller County year round, preferring open grasslands, fields and marshes. I tend to see them more in the fall, including several observations in late October and early December in the expansive grassy areas south of Divide. Harriers can also be found in ranchlands, shrublands and in the summer they will roam up into the alpine tundra.

Hawks have long, broad and rounded wings that catch updrafts and allow them to soar effortlessly. Daytime hunting is their preference and to aid this skill they have very keen vision and hearing. Hawks will also use a perch and wait hunting style, their large bodies being visible from a distance. They have large hooked beaks and sharp talons for capturing live prey and are also professional scavengers. Other hawks you are likely to see in Teller County include the large bald and golden eagles and also osprey, northern goshawk and red-tailed, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks.

Northern harriers are a little smaller than a red-tailed hawk and their narrow wings span about 3.5 feet. A great feature to look for is a large white rump patch at the base of their narrow banded tail, most noticeable in flight. Compared to other hawks, harriers have a flatter facial area that is similar to the facial disc of owls, which allows them to precisely locate a tiny mouse rustling in the grass below. The male harrier is grayish above and whitish below with black wingtips, while the female is brownish above and paler below with brown streaks. Juveniles can be separated from adults by the rusty highlights on their body.

While other hawks like elevated perches, harriers prefer to perch closer to or even on the ground. While engaged in their low patrol flight pattern, note their V-shaped wing profile as they tilt back and forth, even hovering in place occasionally. Their favorite food items are small birds and mammals, especially rodents, but they will also eat reptiles, amphibians, large insects and carrion.

Joe LaFleur studied wildlife biology and communications at Colorado State University. He is author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County and creator of "Better Birdwatching," a DVD series on North American birds. His betterbirdwatching.com website features a Teller County Bird Checklist and Blog. Contact him with questions and feedback at [email protected].