I’ve been watching for Rough-legged Hawks for several weeks now and though I have yet to see any, others have reported a few sightings in my area. With a storm moving in tomorrow and much colder temperatures behind it there’s a good chance that more migrating roughies will be moving south in front of it. Yes, I have roughies on the mind…
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I found this bird several years ago at Farmington Bay. It was one of those classic frosty mornings at the bay where everything was covered with the thick hoar-frost that I tend to love in my settings.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Six minutes later the bird moved to another nearby crystal-encased perch and posed for me in good light. Even though our view of a significant portion of the hawk is partially obstructed I like the way it’s nestled down into the frosty branches.
No, I’m not happy about the twig poking out of the back of the birds neck and I considered cloning it out, but in the end – didn’t.
I think I’m going to be roughie hunting later this morning…
Ron
Gorgeous work!
I appreciate everyone’s kind comments. Thanks so much.
* Lois – Don’t ever lay your camera down!
* Patty – yes, I’m an early riser (during winter I’m often up 4 hours before sunrise). Besides, the early light’s best for shooting. The
frost may have been knocked off that one twig by the wing when it landed.
* Dick – I saw my first of season roughies today, too – at least 5 of them and maybe 6. Sadly, they were much too far away.
It’s such a different setting, and a beautiful one, for a raptor for someone whose winters just don’t get that cold!
Oh how wonderful. I love the ice nest – and the stunning contrast it gives. Thank you.
Hi Ron,
Beautiful pictures of one of my favorite raptors, “the hawk that wins the prize for coming the farthest to attend our party”. And, they are perfect “models” for your photos. Something about the small bill and feet “fitting” the slender branches. I have also been thinking about roughies – I went looking for them yesterday, and saw my first-of-the-season for the Klamath Basin, five birds in one location. Your posting was perfectly timed; it provided a nice little reminder of yesterday’s outing. I hope you were successful this morning – thanks (as always) for sharing.
Cheers,
Dick
Boy! You must get up and at it mighty early! Those frost crystals melt so quickly once the sunrises. Funny how one branch seems frost_free…in the second shot it almost looks like he’s settling down into a frosty nest
Interestingly, the right angles of the top twigs lend a warlike energy to this second photo of the hawk – like crossed swords on a shield. I’m glad you didn’t clone anything out!
Ron I think if I ever captured a shot like either one of these I’d lay my camera down and say, okay, I’m done ,,, I’ll never top these!!! They are truly beautiful!!!!
Beautiful shots Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks very much, Gail and Dick.
Great images, nicely done!! Rough-legged’s are a favorite of mine and I especially like the way you have framed this bird. Much appreciated!!
Beautiful! I particularly like the second image where the frost frames the bird nicely.