Rough-legged Hawk Rough-legged Hawk – Nikon D300, f9, 1/640, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light, not baited

Rough-legged Hawks are on their way south from their Arctic breeding grounds and will soon be making their appearance here in Utah. Over the past week the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains above the valley have gone from sporting bits of fall color to having some snow at the top. I’ve enjoyed looking up at the mountains each evening and seeing the snow glow pink as the sun sets. Seeing that snow reminds me… the Roughies are coming!

My series of photos of this Rough-legged Hawk taken at Antelope Island State Park are some of my favorite images because the hawk was very cooperative and while I photographed it I was also able to observe its behavior and the fine details in its plumage for about 45 minutes. I took tons of images of the bird and can’t pick a favorite among them.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.