Hovering Rough-legged Hawk

Description

A rough-legged hawk hunts over a farmer's field in rural Ottawa. The hawk frequents the area in the winter and leaves just as spring approaches. While here it hunts for mice, vole and other critters during the day. It's a shy raptor. If approaching to take a photo it's best to stay in your car because the moment you get out it will take off. I was lucky enough for it to hover over my vehicle for a few minutes as it zeroed in on a menu item. The rough-legged hawk in mid-air was reminiscent of a hummingbird in flight. Rough-legged hawks often hover in stationary flight while searching for prey.

Taken By

Dani-Elle Dubé

Taken On

January 11, 2025

Tagged

rough legged hawk bird of prey raptor ottawa rural animal flying buzzard vulture accipiter accipitridae vertebrate wing beak bird_of_prey flight feather accipitriformes