Rough-legged Hawk in flight with prey on a brisk December day – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
There is something about being eye level with raptors and being able to look directly into their eyes that is very appealing to me because I feel connected to them when that happens. Being at eye level with this Rough-legged Hawk carrying prey along the causeway to Antelope Island is an experience I won’t soon forget.
This Rough-legged Hawk put on quite a show in December of 2011 while diving for prey, carrying it in its talons, dropping it, recapturing it, consuming it and then hovering and kiting in the wind on the north side of the 7 mile long causeway to the island.
It was later in the day than I normally shoot but because it was winter and the sun was low on the horizon I still had nice light on the hawk while I photographed it for just about 30 minutes. Looking at this photo today made me remember that there are times when I should drop what ever I am doing when the sun pops out on winter days and get out into the field because you just never know what you might find.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thank you for the link to your older post as well. Wowzers! Hope you get a decent shooting window soon!
Glorious. As is the thought of a winter’s day.
The sun is shinning at my house finally right now.
Great photo, I hope you see more.
Beautiful!