Rough-legged Hawk season has begun in northern Utah. I spotted my first of season Rough-legged Hawks on the wing last Friday way up in the far northern part of the state.
Male Rough-legged Hawk with a light frost – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 400, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I wasn’t able to take photos of the adult dark morph or the immature light morph Rough-legged Hawks I found on Friday because they were on the wrong side of the good light. I shouted a “Welcome back you beautiful birds” to both of them.
Anyone but another passionate bird lover hearing me might have thought I was insane. Maybe I am.
Insanely happy to see these arctic hawks again.
A cold front including rain and snow over the weekend most likely ushered in more of the Rough-legged Hawks that will spend the winter here. Just thinking about spending time with and photographing these buteos again excites me.
Male light morph Rough-legged Hawk on a February morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Rough-legged Hawks come in light, intermediate, and dark morphs. I see light morphs frequently, dark morphs on occasion, and for me, intermediate morphs are far less common.
I photographed the light morph adult male Rough-legged Hawk in both of these images at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge this past February. The close up photo I took on my birthday and the other image was taken three days later.
This particular hawk shows up in the same area of the refuge about this time of the year. I hope he returns this winter. If he does I know for certain that I will celebrate his return and thank him for making the long journey back to his winter home. He is a bit of a celebrity with local bird photographers. I am a huge fan of this bird.
As soon as the weather clears up I will be out in the field looking for these stunning raptors.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Both pics are masterpieces! Red Tail hawks are still my fav raptor…and shots like these make my day. I am always, always, amazed at the detail and colors you capture. Thanks Mia.
Stunning! And on your birthday! Happy birthday, Mia
Life is good.
How do you recognize him as the same bird year after year?
Very exciting and not weird at all to call out to them. (Of course, I may not be the proper arbiter, as I say, “Hello, Blimpie-Boo,” if I see the Goodyear Blimp docked at its airfield. 😂) Looking forward to some lovely Roughie pantaloon shots!
Welcome back indeed. I hope your searches in the coming days/weeks are successful.
Very nice Mia and I couldn’t agree more. Roughies are my favorite Hawk and I’ll be looking for them too! Thanks for sharing this!!