Adult male light morph Rough-legged Hawk on a rock pile – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
The other day I noticed that one of my first of season Rough-legged Hawks was seen on October 16th so I think it is time for me to start watching for them. These arctic nesting buteos are on the move and heading to their wintering grounds now and with the snowy cold fronts northern Utah has been experiencing the past few days I wouldn’t be surprised to find one the next time I get out into the field.
I am always looking for birds and I do get excited to see my first of season birds of all species.
I found this light morph adult male Rough-legged Hawk out in the West Desert of Tooele County in February of this year and hadn’t shared these three images of him until today. I liked the rock pile setting with the snow covered mountains in the background. I wish I knew what he was staring at so intently in the sky when I photographed him.
Adult male Rough-legged Hawk next to a country road – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
When he moved across the country road after an unsuccessful attempt at prey he landed on a metal fence post. Not the ideal setting but a bird isn’t a high paid runway model and I can’t direct them to land on a more aesthetically pleasing perch.
Adult male Rough-legged Hawk next to a country road – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I believe I saw my last of season Rough-legged Hawks around the end of March or the beginning of April this year which means I haven’t seen one in six or seven months. I can spot these handsome, elegant looking hawks from more than a mile away I know them so well. I am now on the lookout for my first of season Rough-legged Hawk. I hope to spot one soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Even on that unattractive perch he is more beautiful than any super model I have ever seen.
Beautiful images. I believe this is becoming one of my favorite hawks. About 3 weeks ago a photographer posted an image on one of the Utah photography FB sites. My friend Amber and I both were shocked and commented about the photo, wow, so early. The photographer said it was from November last year.