I probably look forward to the return of the Rough-legged Hawk more than I do any other migrating bird.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this hawk at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge two days ago. It was one of five “Roughies” I saw that morning and the only one I was able to get close to. The bird was on an unnatural perch but it didn’t have a lot of choice – there are very few trees on the refuge.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The hawk was partially side-lit but despite the challenging light angle I was able to get decent light on the bird and even a catch light in the eye in a few shots after it turned on the perch. I was a little surprised by how much warmer the light appears to be in the first image as compared to the second (I made no color or tonal adjustments in either photo).
I’ve been anticipating the return of the Rough-legged Hawks for weeks now so photographing my first one of the season was pure delight, despite the unnatural perch.
Ron
PS – As an afterthought I thought local readers might appreciate a current report on the bird situation at the refuge. For photographers at least it’s very, very slow (though the numerous duck hunters may have a different perspective). In 2 1/2 hours I only photographed two birds – this hawk and a merganser. All the ponds and canals have plenty of water in them but I suspect duck hunters may have spooked many of the birds into cover. Even the middle of the large ponds were almost completely lacking in birds.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
One potential bright spot is the Red-breasted Mergansers. There were lots of them in the canals even though they were extremely skittish. I barely got my lens trained on this one before it and its buddies spooked. This is the first wing beat and running step as the bird began its takeoff.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The next photo in the burst caught the wings in almost exactly the same position as in the previous image. Based on the burst rate of my camera this tells me that a full wing beat cycle takes 1/10 of a second. And based on the number of water splashes I also surmise that there are about 3 running steps for each wing cycle.
Useless and inconsequential information perhaps but knowing stuff like that amuses me…
Super Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
I agree with the others regarding the humor of the roughie parking on the parking sign — perhaps you have found a literate, as well as literal, example of the species. 😉 The pictures of the merganser are breathtaking.
“perhaps you have found a literate, as well as literal, example of the species”
I like that Marty, you have a way with words. I need you as an assistant when I’m composing my posts!
Apparently “refuges” is a euphemism for shooting gallery…sick!!!
Love the hawk. And the errant feather.
And walking/running on water AND the ability to fly? Where DO we get our misplaced delusions of superiority from?
Thanks Ron.
I wondered where that feather came from, EC. It wasn’t sticking out like that in the previous photo taken only seconds earlier.
I enjoy the first two mages because the bird is beautiful and, although man made and not a natural element, the wording of the sign, as perching choice, adds an element of humor…I’ll take all of that I can get!!! Those Merganzers appear to travel across water almost as fast as they fly…the “Speedy Gonzales” guys of the waterfowl world….
Thank you, Patty.
I love useless and inconsequential information, makes my world a better place. Certainly better than following the election.
Agreed, Marian…
I curious as to what it is about Roughies that makes them special to you…is there enough space here to tell us?
Patty, part of it is because by the time Roughies show up many of our other birds have left for the winter so the return of these hawks is highly anticipated by me and by others. I’m also of the opinion that RLH’s are just about the most handsome raptors I photograph.
Then there’s the fact that they’re truly an arctic raptor and I don’t get a chance to shoot many species like that.
Interesting that your first Roughie is actually on a Parking Area sign instead of the usual No Parking… Gorgeous bird. It upsets me a lot that there are duck hunters allowed in a wildlife refuge. That makes it not much of a refuge… The Merganser take off reminds me of Grebes walking on water. And it’s amazing to think that a wing beat would take only 1/10 of a second. That seems very fast to me.
It is fast, Susan – especially for a relatively large bird like a merganser. If you’re not on your toes these birds are out of your viewfinder before you even have time to THINK about pressing the shutter.
I agree with Susan…on all counts, especially with hunting in a refuge…some “refuge”(NOT!)
I love your photos of the Rough Legged Hawk and I have been trying to see one too! Your photos help me to know what they look like in the wild. Thank you!
I hope you see one soon, Jerilyn.
I can appreciate the humor of the sign and the bird choosing to park there. 😀
Agreed, Arwen. That came to mind for me too.
Had our first snow flurries last two days, so I have been waiting for a Roughie shot – you’ve hit the catchlight in the eye, very nice! Appropriate to see snow and know that the Rough-legged Hawk is back!
I spent the last 5 minutes looking at my field guides, and can’t figure out which merganser it is. At first it looks like a female, but the head doesn’t have the traces of white it should and the chest around to the back is too black to be a female according to my field guides, so then looked at immatures and can’t find anything appropriate. You have a new species we don’t know about?? VBG!
Dick, I’m having the same problem with the sex of this bird. But then in many cases ID isn’t my strongest suite…
I ve never been to those refuges .They let duck hunters hunt there????? Here the river is devoid of ducks they are all hanging out in the state parks ( no hunting) counted 9 different species. Love Merganzers!! Call those girls red headed punk rockers and love the hooded ones. . your pictures are always great. !!!!! I’m in duck frenzy mode right now.
Marina, many “refuges” are managed specifically FOR waterfowl hunting. Ironic in some ways I know…
Gives teal (unpleasant) meaning to the term “sitting ducks” doesn’t it…..
Here in North Central Montana the “wildlife management areas” are open to hunting in the fall.
Beautiful shots, Ron. 🙂 Those mergansers can “run like hell” for sure! 🙂 Hawk is fluffed up from something – just had a bath or chilly perhaps?
Judy, If I remember correctly (and I think I do) it was 41 degrees F when these hawk images were taken soon after dawn. So yes, the bird was probably a little chilly.