March Raptor – Ferruginous Hawk

Adult Ferruginous Hawk. Photograph by Neil Paprocki.

While I was hoping to highlight a different raptor species every month for this ‘raptor photograph of the month’ 2014 project, this Ferruginous Hawk was just too cool to pass up (and quite honestly I didn’t have anything better to replace it).

I had the chance to briefly return to central Utah at the beginning of March. I made a quick stop by my favorite Buteo location where I photographed January’s Ferruginous Hawk and was not disappointed. The Rough-legged Hawks were now mostly gone and the agricultural fields consisted of mainly Red-tails and Ferruginous Hawks, although a few Bald Eagles could be seen in the distance.

Someday I hope to capture this species with a more interesting background than just a plain blue sky. And I promise next month will feature something besides a Ferruginous or Rough-legged Hawk. Until then, enjoy all those birds that are passing through on migration or returning to their breeding grounds. April is one of the best months to go birding.