Today I thought I would post images of the immature Buteos that I see most often in Utah and Montana, they are Red-tailed, Rough-legged, Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawks. The Red-tailed, Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawks all breed in my area, the Rough-legged Hawks breed in the Arctic.
Red-tailed Hawk juvenile and an intense stare – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited, called in or set up
I photographed the young Red-tailed Hawk above during the summer in the Centennial Valley of Beaverhead County, Montana. It was a very cooperative bird and I was able to take quite a few images of it, I liked this image because of the way the raptor appeared to be staring intensely at something on the ground.
Immature Rough-legged Hawk side view – Nikon D300, f9, 1/800, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light, not baited, called in or set up
This immature Rough-legged Hawk was also very cooperative as it preened and fluffed on Antelope Island State Park in Davis County, Utah. This bird was photographed during the winter which is the only time I see Rough-legged Hawks in Utah and Montana.
Immature Ferruginous Hawk – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light, not baited, called in or set up
This young Ferruginous Hawk was photographed the same morning as the immature Red-tailed Hawk shown above in the Centennial Valley of Beaverhead County, Montana. The Ferruginous Hawk hasn’t gotten the rufous coloration to its feathered legs yet. I wish I had been closer to this young bird as it appeared that some of the radiant heat rising from the road may have interfered with this image being as sharp as I wanted it or it may have been the pickup idling, I am not sure. I wasn’t driving.
Immature Swainson’s Hawk near the Red Rock River – Nikon D300, f8, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited, called in or set up
This immature Swainson’s Hawk was photographed in the Centennial Valley of Beaverhead County Montana too, nearby there was another young and adult Swainson’s but they weren’t in good light like this young hawk was.
I always, and I do mean always, feel privileged when I am in the presence of these magnificent raptors where I can observe them and their behaviors and photograph these amazing hawks.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my hawk, eagle, osprey and vulture photos.
I love this post Mia. Great photos. And I just love the birds.
Thanks Bryce, I love these birds too!
I agree – it’s so fabulous to see these bird all grouped together. It’s hard to find collected photos like this to help with key ID points. They’re really beautiful, Mia.
Thanks Tami, they are all so beautiful!
This is great continuing education, again! Wonderful images and fantastic information. I totally agree with you about being privileged to be in the presence of such magnificent raptors.
Wally, I feel so lucky to have so many amazing subjects and to be in their world. Thanks for commenting.
Magnificent birds and images, Mia!
Thank you Beverly.
Incredible photos, Mia! All such striking raptors!
Thanks Tammy!
I love these wildlife portraits, they show one the beauty of professional portraiture of wild animals.
Thank you Maria, these animals are incredible!
Me too and your images are amazing as always, all the rough legs here are not fond of cooperating and love to set wayyyy up at the tippy top of the power poles, not conducive for good shots even though we have scads of them.
Sherry, there aren’t many power poles where I photograph the Roughies or they be on poles too! Thanks for commenting.
Just amazing raptor captures, Mia! Well done!
Thanks Eileen!
Beautiful bird of prey.
Thank you Bob, I think they are beautiful birds too.
Awesome series, Mia! First-year buteos are easy to confuse and this is a great side-by-side comparison. If only it was this easy to distinguish them in the field!
Thanks Matt, I do have some trouble in the field with ID if the Buteos are far away or if the sun is shining right in my eyes. Thank you for commenting.