Early yesterday morning, before leaving to look for birds on Antelope Island, I saw a Facebook post by my friend, bird aficionado and artist extraordinaire Bryce Robinson. It was a simple post, saying “I felt a change in the air today. The Roughies are coming…” and it was illustrated with one of his fine drawings – a portrait of a Rough-legged Hawk. The “change in the air” that Bryce referred to was our first nippy cold morning after a long, hot summer and such changes always bring thoughts to mind of the return of the Rough-legged Hawk.
Then I spent the morning on the island looking in vain for birds (it’s very slow out there right now) so as I drove around my mind wandered regularly to thoughts of Roughies – inspired by Bryce’s post and the chilly temps (51 degrees on the causeway which was 30 degrees colder than some mornings this summer).
Rough-legged Hawks are just now leaving their high-arctic summer home and heading our way. It’s been a long time and I’ve missed them. It’ll take them a few weeks to get here and you can bet that in my anticipation I’ll be watching for them way too early, but that’s part of the fun.
We should have good numbers of them by early November (it’s a very long flight) – just about the time of year this image was taken two years ago. This bird was hunting for voles along the Antelope Island Causeway.
Thanks for the inspiration, Bryce!
Ron
Note: Some may remember my fairly recent post about a banded Prairie Falcon in Montana that I was able to trace back to when it was banded as a fledgling in California (including photos of the bird at both locations). Bryce had a very similar experience with a banded immature Swainson’s Hawk earlier this month. He’s posted about it here for those who may be interested. I think it’s worth a visit, partly for the developing discussion about banding in the comments.
I just read Sonja’s comment … exactly what I was about to type. So, ditto Sonja’s comment.
Dave
I can feel the excitement in the air. The post header really called for more exclamation marks – and will be very, very happy to see this years fruits of your industry.
What a photo, Ron. I’m glad we are both excited about their return.
Just so you know, I was told that the Goshutes already spotted a Roughie. There may be one or two already among us! Can’t wait to see the photos of your first for the fall. I’m sure I will be sitting at my desk poring over some trivial work, and immediately after seeing your image, head straight into the open lands to find one for myself. Soon!
Wow, Bryce – that seems way early. Guess that bird doesn’t like the cold.
I’ve always been very glad that the Roughies come in to replace the Swainson’s after they’ve left. Don’t think I could take a full winter without one of the two species hanging around…
That’s a beautiful raptor. I can understand that you are looking forward to them arriving.
I agree, Sonja. I think they may be the most handsome of our raptors.
Great shot Ron, I love Rough-legged Hawks, hope you take tons.
The ones taken last winter were exceptional.
Do you ever get the opportunity to see them actually capture prey?
Looking forward to what’s coming!!
“Do you ever get the opportunity to see them actually capture prey?”
Yes, Dick – quite often. Here’s an example where the prey actually bit back. https://www.featheredphotography.com/blog/2011/12/05/sometimes-the-prey-bites-back/