I was thinking red-tailed. So far this year the highest I've counted on the way to work is ten in the nine mile stretch. Seems there isn't as many here over wintering yet.
The first pic is definitely a hawk. Not a falcon. I'll third or fourth the vote for young redtail (aka chicken hawk), but I'm not really familiar with California hawks.
Thanks to all of you for the help. I followed a couple of links and saw pictures of white chested hawks. I forget the name now. Looked very simillar.
Oh, Bald eagles at Lake Henshaw, we drive past there on the way to Ocotillo I'll keep my eyes open next time.
It is amazing the wild life we are fortunate enough to see around here. I have roadrunners that come through my yard as well. Oh, yes and don't for get the coyote. Beep Beep!!!
First one is a Red tailed Hawk Buteo jamaciensis the second one is a turkey Vulture Cathartities aura Both are protected by the feds the Red tail will take chickens but might really have trouble with a big chicken. Banties and pigions are however the right size for a meal. In breading season the Red tails eat a great number of snakes.
The other picture posted on this thread is a Turkey Buzzard/Vulture. We have them and the Blacks. They fly over all of the time but have never attempted to get my birds.