On The Lookout For Rough-Legged Hawks

Dark morph Rough-legged Hawk resting on snow-covered ground

When colder weather arrives here in northern Utah I know it is time for me to be on the lookout for Rough-legged Hawks. Another cold front is due to arrive here on Thursday and I’m sitting here wondering if it will be the front that pushes these arctic breeding hawks into areas where I can see them again. This year I’ve already been on the lookout scanning the skies, trees, power poles, cliff faces, and fence posts.

Immature Rough-legged Hawk perched on a snow-covered cliff

Rough-legged Hawks breed in the Arctic tundra and taigas and when fall comes they head south for the winter.

Rough-legged Hawks are one of two hawk species in North America that have feathered legs, Ferruginous Hawks also have feathered legs and are year round residents in Utah.

High Key adult Rough-legged Hawk male

I’ve found that some Rough-legged Hawks are easily approachable and others will take flight when you are half a mile away. Some will spook if you slow down your vehicle or if your vehicle makes a dinging noise when it comes to a stop. A few are very confiding and don’t seem phased by human presence at all.

This male Rough-legged Hawk was getting ready to expel a pellet when I drove up on him in a foggy snow storm.

Immature Rough-legged Hawk looking over the marsh at Bear River MBR

Rough-legged Hawks prefer open areas. I find these raptors most often in the desert, sagebrush, grasslands, fields, pastures, foothills, prairies, agricultural areas and marshes.

I’ve never found one near a forest.

Immature Rough-legged Hawk carrying prey in its talons to a perch

Rough-legged Hawks can hover in flight while hunting and then dive on their prey once they spot it on the ground. Here in northern Utah the prey I see them take most often are voles.

Immature Rough-legged Hawk diving towards prey

I’m hoping that this week I’ll be able to spot my first of the season Rough-legged Hawks and that I’ll be able to get photos of them too. Fingers are crossed!

Life is good.

Mia

These Rough-legged Hawk images were taken at Antelope Island State Park, Farmington Bay WMA, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and far northern Utah.

Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.