I was delighted to spot, point out, and photograph this immature light morph Rough-legged Hawk that was perched on a tumbleweed at Bear River MBR yesterday morning.
Light morph immature Rough-legged Hawk on a tumbleweed – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
It was early enough in the morning that the young raptor still had frost on its head, back and primary feathers. I bet the rising sun felt wonderful to the immature bird. It felt nice to me or at least parts of me. My feet were ice cold and I was in pain by the time I found this hawk.
Because of the hawk’s light colored eyes I know that this is an immature Rough-legged Hawk. Adult Rough-legged Hawks have dark eyes.
Young light morph Rough-legged Hawk on a tumbleweed – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I haven’t photographed many birds of prey on tumbleweeds. However, I have photographed a young Peregrine Falcon, a fledgling Short-eared Owl and an adult female Northern Harrier using tumbleweeds as perches. Now I can add this Rough-legged Hawk perched on a tumbleweed to my portfolios.
Tumbleweeds, also known as Russian Thistles, are introduced and invasive plants. I see tumbleweeds practically everywhere I go to look for birds in northern Utah except for high in the mountains.
Immature light morph Rough-legged Hawk perched on a tumbleweed – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
When this immature Rough-legged Hawk lifted off and took to the skies I would have liked to have taken a few photos of it. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to do so.
I enjoyed focusing on this fluffy, young, Rough-legged Hawk in my viewfinder yesterday morning. I am truly happy that I found it perched on the tumbleweed at the refuge.
These Rough-legged Hawks will soon begin their long journeys north to their breeding grounds. I am grateful to photograph them whenever it is possible.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
OMG! What a sweetie! I have never been privileged to see a raptor that was old enough to look like a raptor but still young enough to look fluffy and adorable at the same time. What a coup !
Lovely, I have some images of probably the same bird on the stack. Mine are not as sharp, I have less telephoto power. That is what happens when the structures they like are removed, they try to find the next highest spot to perch.
Lovely pictures! Enjoy the Roughies while you have them