While looking for a photo to share this morning, I found this immature Rough-legged Hawk on a No Swimming Sign, with the snowy Wasatch Mountains in the background.
The sign was, or maybe it used to be, on the causeway to Antelope Island State Park. I don’t know; I haven’t been to the island in a couple of years now. There is a story behind that, but that is for another day, another time.
Rough-legged Hawk on a No Swimming sign on the causeway to Antelope Island – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 314mm, natural light, not baited
This Rough-legged Hawk photo was taken twelve years ago today. There was plenty of snow on the Wasatch Mountains in the background so it is safe to say it was cold. Probably even bitter cold. I’m pretty sure the hawk didn’t even think about going swimming in the Great Salt Lake.
As I edited this Rough-legged Hawk photo this morning I realized something. Of all the hawks I have photographed that are in my photo galleries this raptor species has earned a remarkably peculiar distinction.
It’s a Sign.
Scrolling through my Rough-legged Hawk photo gallery, I noticed that I have an awful lot of photos of this species perched on signs: one-way signs, speed limit signs, waterfowl rest area signs, yield signs, designated parking signs, interpretive signs, parking area signs, shotgun shell possession signs, high water signs, do not enter signs, and more.
In my galleries, no other raptor species that I have photographed appear to spend as much time on signs as Rough-legged Hawks. Maybe no other birds in my galleries have.
I absolutely don’t know.
Maybe it is a sign?
But of what?
Life is good.
Mia
P.S., I have an earworm now. If you are near my age, you might have one too.
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
If I had a son for all of these rare birds, I’d say it was stalking…I’ll be glad to see not have oo many.
Regular Winter visitor in Vermont. But how to identify an immature bird from the back? The eyeline?
Tim, adults have dark eyes, this immature bird has light eyes.
I love the cracked paint on this sign. I miss seeing roughies as often, such lovely birds. Maybe they are trying to bring more attention to our own laws. I definitely notice the sign more when a bird is on it!
I am NOT thankful for the earworm – but love the photo.
Great photo, and quite a peculiar distinction. And yes, I now have that ear worm as well.
Lol! Now I have that earworm, too!
Nice photo, Mia. If I am lucky I might even get to see one of these this year. Last year I saw one in March in Brunswick, Maine.
Thanks for the morning laugh!! Oh great, now I’ve got an earworm….
Fascinating observation..as you said, who knows??!