Rough-legged Hawk – Nikon D300, f8, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 328 mm, natural light, not baited
I have started seeing Rough-legged Hawks again in northern Utah and that has me excited. I have seen them in Utah County and Davis County but I haven’t gotten any quality photos of them yet that I would call home about… or anyone else for that matter.
Three years ago today was a different story where I photographed a very cooperative, preening Rough-legged Hawk on Antelope Island for the better part of half an hour. I would have photographed the hawk longer but since I had a lunch date with friends I had to leave before the hawk was finished preening, fluffing, shaking and generally showing off for the camera. I really didn’t want to leave but lunch was great fun too.
I hadn’t processed this particular image before and I felt I had to this morning because the image made me laugh a bit because of the slightly goofy-looking pose.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
We have them all over the valley here but they are indeed hard to get good shots of and all of ours seem to enjoy their power pole perches the most!
Hi! What a beautiful bird I love it. It fits the season and is so pretty! Keep up the great photo’s
Any day which starts me with looking at bird britches is a good day. Thanks for the start to this one.
Really nice image of this hawk!
Mia, it looks great! Love the pose and light!
How beautiful!!
love, love, love this one Mia … such delicate, warm neutral tones … and I’m just in WOW with this GREAT pose!!!! “Goofy” yes … but Cool definitely!!!!
Wow, what a beautiful bird and what a gorgeous photo! We almost never see Rough-legged Hawks down here in southern Arizona. Right now, we’re seeing a big influx of Red Tails, and, I’m very pleased to say, the Ferruginous Hawks are making their annual visit. I’m going look for the latter species tomorrow and hope to post some images soon.
Hi Steven! Thanks for the comment. I hope you see plenty of Ferruginous Hawks today!