After spotting the Rough-Legged Hawk that didn’t take to flight as soon as I stopped was an unexpected surprise.
So there I sat patiently waiting for some action…munching on some snacks and drinking cold coffee.
Finally it was Show Time.
Trip to the Forest
Well it was time to dust off the camera…pack a lunch and give my wife a break for the day and go Owling…Great Gray’s to be specific.
We’ve been fortunate up until yesterday to have relatively warm temps here in Manitoba for this time of year. Upon arrival after a quick reality check and a stark reminder that gloves are required at -26c according to the weather app on my phone.
Do note the frost on this Great Grays face…meaning it’s a bit chilly. As well as the blood on the beak…meaning it’s recently had a meal.
Can’t say that I miss those tingling, burning feelings that the fingers get at those temps…but it’s all part of the experience when Winter Owling.
Another Day Another Subject
While out searching back country roads for Snowy Owls and came across a different subject. Crow like in size or slightly larger Rough-legged Hawks are more likely to be seen at this time of year as they nest in the Artic and migrate South in late fall and winter.
They have a dark lower body patch along with a dark patch at the elbow on the underside of the wings. If you notice their legs are covered in feathers unlike other raptures and would be how they got their name.
Didn’t find any owls down that road but was rewarded with this hawk.