Rough-legged Hawk

Feathers Down to My Toes

A Rough-legged Hawk banks west after kiting over the prairie in cold, blustery winter winds. These hawks spend the summer in the Arctic tundra, making their appearance here a seasonal reminder of just how far some raptors travel to overwinter on our prairies and grasslands.

Worth knowing

The name “Rough-legged” refers to the dense feathers that extend all the way down the legs to the toes. Along with the Ferruginous Hawk and the Golden Eagle, the Rough-legged Hawk is one of the only American raptors with this adaptation—an important advantage for hunting in cold northern climates. (Source: All About Birds)

Some encounters are brief and seasonal, yet they often leave a lasting impression—select moments eventually take shape in the Fine Art Print Store.