Saturday, October 3, 2009

Camera Critter #78

Autumn in central Oregon is an interesting time of the year. Over the next few days we have snow, rain, wind, sun, clouds...you name it, in our forecast. But I still enjoy it.

And, it may not be as colorful as other parts of the country, but there is something I am always looking forward to seeing.

That is the return of the Rough-legged Hawks.

They spend their summers breeding above and in the area of the Arctic Circle. When it starts to get too cold there, they head to the northern parts of the United States...and one of those parts is central Oregon.

The first Rough-legged Hawk I ever saw was perched on a fence post about 20 feet from me. It was a magnificent bird, a large bird and I didn't have a camera at the time. Since then I have acquired a camera, but haven't seen a Rough-legged Hawk in a similar position.

Below are the some of the shots I have gotten of these beautiful hawks. All were distance shots, but one of these days, I'll get that shot of the bird 20 feet away from me I so desire.



Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme is a great way to see critters of all types. Go to the Meme homepage here and check out more entries. Then join the fun and let the world see your critters!

11 comments:

squirrel said...

Very impressive. I have only seen them very very high up when they are migrating. Nice photos.

JD and Max said...

Oh wow - amazing captures. The bird in flight is superb - and what a beautiful blue sky! Loved this post, there is something wonderfully uplifting about these photos. :)

Janet Creamer Martin said...

I love these birds! I always look forward to winter when I can see more in my area.

Rose said...

I have a picture of a rough legged hawk on my other blog...only I didn't know what it was till we contacted Cornells all about birds...I don't think they are that common in Indiana but I am not sure.

These are good shots, I think.

Squirrel said...

Very nice!

eileeninmd said...

Awesome photos of the hawks, they are wonderful birds to see. thanks for sharing your critters.

Misty DawnS said...

They are gorgeous! Love that second shot!

magiceye said...

beautiful captures!

Carmat said...

You might not have got the shot you wanted yet but I would still say those are great captures.

Calico Crazy said...

What a beautiful bird, as close as you like or not these are great photos.

Calico Contemplations

Quilt Works said...

Great shot, especially capturing the hawk in flight! You must have a really quick hand - the photo is so sharp!


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