Most commonly inhabits open land, especially central continental plains and is found in all states west of the Mississippi river in the spring and summers, including Alaska and northwest Canada, south to Texas and northern Mexico. These hawks migrate to south America for the winter and are the longest migrant of any North American raptor.

Often feeds on insects, sometimes in loose groups on the ground. Also courses low or hovering in search of rodents. Migrates in large flocks

Pale form adult white or creamy below with chestnut bib. Dark form and immediate forms scarce except in California. Chest spots.

Tapered wings and dark flight feathers and a black streak at base of tail feathers. Long gray branded tail with dark malar strips/

Up during sunglow and begin driving immediately north on SH 125, to Walton where I stop for a cup of hot to go and then continue north on SH 125 to Wyoming where the highway number changes to SH 230 and drive to Encampment, Wyoming on SH 70 which I take up to Battle Pass, elevation 9955 feet, and stop to read the info boards about the Continental Divide Trail. After taking a few photos at the pass, I return back down SH 70, the Atlantic side, back through Encampment and then north on SH 230 to Saratoga, Wyoming. Once arriving in Saratoga, I drive directly to the hot springs, a free facility with three pools.

After soaking in the hot springs, I take a fresh hot water shower. Then, upon coming back out of the shower room, I notice a hawk on top of a power pole and since I have my camera in my day pack, I get it out and begin taking photos of this hawk. Later, I identify the bird and find it to be a Swainson's Hawk.