Male Rough-legged Hawk in early morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/250, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Of all the photos I took yesterday at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge the one I liked the most is of this Rough-legged Hawk in early morning light.
The sun had not yet risen above the Wasatch Mountains to the east when I spotted the adult male hawk perched on a sign next to the road. The thing that caught my eyes first was how much frost he had on his back and wing tips. I saw a low of 10°F yesterday morning so I am not surprised about the frost he had on his feathers.
I was happy that the Rough-legged Hawk stuck around long enough for me to take a few photos of him even though the light was low. Rough-legged Hawks do not breed in northern Utah and I only see them during the coldest months of the year.
This winter has been great for finding these arctic breeding hawks at the refuge, Farmington Bay WMA, the mountains, deserts, and valleys. On one of my trips to the refuge during the first part of January I saw six or seven Rough-legged Hawks before I even reached the auto tour route.
What I like about this image is the subdued colors, the even lighting, the head turn of the hawk, the eye contact and most of all the frost. The frost shows how tough these buteos are. They are a lot tougher than me. I had to put my gloves on to photograph this bird to keep them from freezing in addition to all the layers of clothing I was wearing.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice shot Mia!
I am always amazed at your photos== Gives me great pleasure seeing the Utah area and your birds through your lenses== Thanks ==
I like the colors too. It has been a wonderful year for roughies, now to have a good season of short eared owl.
WHAT a beauty. And yes, birds are often tougher than I am (not difficult).
A good looking Roughie, indeed! Looking at those frosty feathers makes me want to go back and snuggle under the comforter.
Wow! What gorgeous cool colours. I have to admit to a preference for raptors and the cool gray colours as opposed to the more popular warm tones so this frost and pre-dawn light, weathered wood and frosty feathers leaves me breathless with its beauty. I could stare at this one all day.