Perched to Flight

Rough-legged hawks are also known as Roughies. These hawks breed and spend their spring and summer in the Artic regions of North America and Eurasia. During migration Roughies can be seen in the fall and winter months in southern Canada and through much of the US. I spotted this Roughie perched high in a tree scouting the open field beside him. He sat for a few minutes and then took to the sky. This is my first encounter with a Roughie, I am hoping he decides to winter in this area. It would be nice to get some winter shots of this great looking hawk.