Rough-legged Hawk resting on a sign – Nikon D500, f9, 1/400, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
It is almost time for me to see a seasonal switch of raptors here in northern Utah because the Rough-legged Hawks will be leaving and the Swainson’s Hawks will arrive soon.
The Rough-legged Hawks that have overwintered here will spread their wings and make their way to the Arctic tundra to find their mates, build their nests, lay their eggs and rear their young.
I photographed this adult Rough-legged Hawk last week at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge early in the morning as it rested on one of the signs next to the auto tour route. It wasn’t the prettiest setting but I wondered while I took photos of this light morph Rough-legged Hawk if it might be the last one I saw and photographed this winter. I’ve seen a few more Rough-legged Hawks since then but their numbers do seem to be dwindling now.
Adult Swainson’s Hawk on a rusty, metal post – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Most Swainson’s Hawks have overwintered in South America but they will soon follow their natural instincts, take flight and head north to to find their mates, build their nests, lay their eggs and rear their young too and some of them will stop here in northern Utah to do just that.
I photographed this adult Swainson’s Hawk in Box Elder County in May of 2017. It was a cooperative subject but after a few minutes of photographing it perched on the rusty, metal pole I thanked the hawk and headed home since the sun was already almost too high.
A photo I would love to take is where there would be a Rough-legged Hawk perched close enough to a Swainson’s Hawk that I could take images of them side by side. That may never happen nevertheless I’m always and forever an optimist.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful birds. Nature is amazing in it’s diversity.
Love the idea of the changeover – a birder’s version of ‘They’re changing Guards at Buckingham Palace.
I did have to re-enter my details this morning but I had to clean the cache yesterday which probably accounts for that.
Tomorrow is the test.
Migration distances never fail to amaze me. Thank you for a couple of beautiful Buteos to start my day! 🙂
Hawks, wonderful subjects.
Great photos, Mia.
Excellent post! We’re anxiously awaiting the Swainson’s Hawks down here in southern Arizona. Each year they come through in waves, sometimes hundreds of birds in one huge flock. Initial sightings are usually in the first or second week of March.