Intermediate morph Swainson's Hawk perched on a budding treeIntermediate morph Swainson’s Hawk perched on a budding tree – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1000, ISO 250, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural  light, not baited

Cooler, unsettled weather was ushered in this past week with the advent of fall including a tornado north of where I live on the date of the fall equinox, the leaves are changing and now there is up to a foot of snow in the high country. There is a nip in the air and it won’t be long before I see frost on the ground.

This time of the year also brings about a change in two buteo species I see here in northern Utah. It is time to say a fond farewell to all the Swainson’s Hawks that have nested and raised their families here because they now are heading to South America on their fall migration. I am sure there are still a few Swainson’s Hawks around but they won’t be here for long.

Eye level Rough-legged Hawk in flightEye level Rough-legged Hawk in flight – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural  light, not baited

This time of the year also means I will be keeping my eagle eyes to the sky looking for my first of the year Rough-legged Hawks who migrate here to spend the winter from their arctic breeding grounds. It won’t be long before I will be seeing these elegant hawks perched, hunting, and gliding by. I hope I have more opportunities to photograph them this year than I did last year.

Even though I am saying a fond farewell to the Swainson’s Hawks I’m also looking forward to Rough-legged Hawks gracing my life for another season.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.