This summer has apparently been a good breeding season for Ferruginous Hawks in southwest Montana. I photographed about a half-dozen active nests or recently fledged family groups in or near the Centennial Valley (never approaching the nests too closely or disturbing the birds). I was often not very close so many times my images weren’t of the best quality (as is the case with these photos) but for me it’s always more about the birds than it is the images anyway.
This is a family that I haven’t posted about previously. We found them a little over six weeks ago on our last Montana camping trip.
The nest was apparently in a clump of trees that we could see but couldn’t get close to but by the time we found the young birds they weren’t spending much time there anyway. The youngsters hadn’t been fledged for long and didn’t stray far (perhaps a mile) from where I believe the nest was located. They had some favorite places to hang out – this pitted boulder was one of them.
Another preferred lounging spot was these massive rocks about a quarter-mile from the road. Both of these birds are youngsters. Ferruginous Hawks remain in loose sibling groups for some time after fledging and that was certainly the case with these young birds.
We witnessed an interesting scene one morning with these three siblings. They were on the ground in a spot fairly close to where I assume the nest was and seemed to be alternately feeding and playing with various food items spread over the area. I couldn’t identify the object that the middle bird is interacting with but through the lens both Mia and I could tell that it was flexible and not rigid. Though it resembles a piece of wood I’m sure it was not and it certainly wasn’t a rock. The bird spent quite a while pecking at the object and moving it around. The other two birds also seemed to be picking at various food bits spread throughout the area.
It’s my guess that this may have been a “feeding area” where the adult birds would regularly deliver prey items to the siblings. I hate to speculate but sometimes I just can’t help myself…
This is the best flight shot I was able to get of any of these hawks. I wasn’t very close so the detail isn’t there but I like the wing position, light and sagebrush setting.
Once, one of the adults flew in and landed on this pole very close to us. I chose to focus on the pole and fire away as it landed rather than follow it in flight. The image is pretty tight, I have no eye contact and the perch isn’t ideal but I love the light and detail on those magnificently spread wings.
This adult spent quite a while on top of the pole as it watched over its young family.
Ron
Absolutely enjoy seeing your photos. The last one is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
Near or far, all of these images do justice to the stunning beauty of a ferruge. The first shots nicely capture their comfort and penchant for hanging out close to the ground, and the last two are perfect examples of their subtly slender wing shape. The hood ornament shot is iconic!
I love all the shots, but the one I love for ALL the elements was the second one…the the last one, of course, is the picture of the angel.
I know you like simplified backgrounds, but I LOVE seeing the rocks, the sage and the composition of all the elements in the first shot. For those of us who don’t get to travel to the parts of our beautiful country like you do, but miss them very, very much, these background shots are an added bonus. You truly have an artist’s eye.
OK! So NOW I believe in angels. You definitely got one in that last frame. (Ron–don’t be so fussy! This another example of a fantastic photo you find fault with…just celebrate your skill and luck with the rest of us!)
I second your opinion, Patty. That shot has everything I would want from a photo – it’s breathtaking.
My husband and I were looking at this post together and when the last shot came in to view we both audibly gasped! Literally, it took our breaths away! I have no issue with the lack of eye contact as the bird is landing and it’s understandable that it will be looking at the perch as it lands. The tight crop allows for exquisite detail in the wings and body. I think it’s a magnificent shot!!!!
Such a privilege. They are awe-inspiringly beautiful and your last photo took my breath away. Those wings are incredible!
Another fantastic series of raptor images, Ron! Despite the technical deficiencies (<—- that's sarcasm), I really enjoyed the behavioral aspects and your educational narrative. The last image is wonderful!
We should start seeing large numbers of raptors here soon as migration begins in earnest.
I wish you luck with the raptors, Wally. We went high in the Wasatch this morning looking for migrating raptors, without much success. You may have to wait a little longer.
I love that last shot. These are some of the most beautiful of the raptors, in my humble opinion, and you have captured them with great care and precision. Thank you.
Thank you, Tana. I know that ferrugs hold a special place in your heart.
Despite the distant images, I really love this post Ron. It puts the bird in place and has a great narrative. And the photos are still excellent even though they aren’t full frame!
Ferruginous Hawks sure are special. I haven’t seen one in a few weeks, and your post is making me feel the need to go out and watch a few.
You get the same yearnings I do, Bryce – especially when I saw your posts and read about your experiences in the arctic. So jealous!
I love the last picture of the hawk on the pole with its wings open. Magnificent! Wish it was looking up.
I wish it was looking up too, Maha – but then maybe I don’t. If it had been during the landing it might have crashed and burned on the post…
I agree with Susan about the photo of the adult, and enjoyed seeing some of the daily lives of the young ones.
No luck with the avocets, by the way – too busy dosing and feeding!
Gotta get out there, Sonja! But I know about priorities.
Hi again Ron, Sorry that was a bit confusing – I meant the avocets were too busy dosing and feeding, not me! I had a lovely day at WTP.
My husband and I both love the photo of the adult bird. You may not have the eye contact you want, but the photo still has the same kind of intensity because it is very obvious how focused the bird is on what it is doing.
Yup, wish I had the eye contact…
Ron: Have you ever had any success photographing dark morphed Ferruginous adults or young or a nest with a mixture?
William,
Yes, here’s an example:
https://www.featheredphotography.com/blog/2013/08/22/screaming-dark-morph-ferruginous-hawk-in-flight/
Thanks Ron. I must have missed this thread in the move to your new provider. In response to a few topics brought up in the remarks. Some buteos use a territorial vocalization (seems like a cry or scream to us) for the purpose of announcing to others of the predatory world. Ferruginous nest as far south as Texas but there numbers are greatest north of those. Our population in Canada (were the greatest number of the dark morphs are found) has been slowly dropping to levels of concern. There has only been 1 confirmed nest in B.C. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba once had stable populations but those are in the past.
Thanks Ron. I posted a comment on that thread.
Beautiful photos, as always. It is interesting to see that these birds do the same thing we observed in the Kestrels: the juveniles hung around together for at least a month after fledging (don’t know how long exactly because we left town while they were still together and 6 weeks later they were gone). We even observed one of the male babies feeding his sister.
By the way, in the second photo you have all three babies, not just two.
Another behavior I was unaware of, Susan – siblings feeding siblings. I love learning about this stuff…
Wonderful shots Ron! Thanks so much for sharing them!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Love this grouping of photo’s Ron! How cool. I have GOT to get back to Red Rocks. I think it must’ve been a good year for FH all over MT because I have seen more here in the Central part of the state this season than ever since I’ve lived here!! (Over 11 years now). I actually only recall seeing one before this year. We actually got 3 on the Christmas bird count & this spring & summer I’ve seen too many to recall!
I’m absolutely delighted to hear that, Deb! Thanks for making my day.