When He Leaves For His Breeding Grounds.
Light morph adult male Rough-legged Hawk on a one way sign – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Last week I photographed this male Rough-legged Hawk on Monday and Thursday while at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I have seen this hawk in the same area of the refuge for most of this winter. As I write this post in the wee hours of the morning I suspect that he is asleep on one of the signs that I have photographed him perched on the past couple of months.
Light morph male Rough-legged Hawk on a February morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This calm, cooperative Rough-legged Hawk has been in my viewfinder many times the past several months. My local friends have photographed him too and I have enjoyed seeing their photos of him that they have shared on social media.
These first two photos of the Rough-legged Hawk were taken last Monday. He was perched on the “One Way” sign that morning.
Male Rough-legged Hawk on a parking sign – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Last Thursday I photographed him on two signs. He lifted off from this sign and flew slightly southwest to a refuge information sign.
Rough-legged Hawk male perched on a refuge information sign – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I have probably been photographing this individual Rough-legged Hawk since 2016 in this same general area of the refuge. Perhaps that is why I feel so connected to this bird.
When I photographed the male Rough-legged Hawk on Thursday I felt a slight sense of sadness because I know that soon this hawk will be on the wing and heading towards his breeding grounds way up north. I know that I will miss him being at the refuge when he leaves.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a handsome, photogenic, and cooperative fellow! These pics remind me of something old-timer NY Jets quarterback – Joe Namath – said many years ago, “I can’t wait for tomorrow because I get better looking every day.” So it is with this beautiful Hawk. The pics are terrific. Thanks Mia.
Hi sweetie! Love all these beautiful photos! I hope you will find other birds to keep you busy until fall! Love ya
Here’s to a very successful breeding season and an early return to your viewfinder and our computer screens! I will definitely enjoy these shots while he’s gone. 💜
He is a beautiful bird and I still get excited and take a photo of him every time I am there.
I will miss him too. And hope that he has a wonderful and successful breeding season.
I agree, MIa. He is one of the best “posers” at BRMBR.
He’s a beauty and you got some really nice shots .. one of my top 5 favorite birds! Thanks Mia
Hopefully, he will be back in the fall and you can start photographing him all over again. Yessssss!!!