Rough-legged Hawk – SE Dauphin County

Yesterday, Dick and Pat Williams found a light morph Rough-legged Hawk along Valley Rd in Southeastern Dauphin County. The hawk was still present today, hunting the fields on the south side of Valley Rd near a large barn and house. The landowners gave me permission to go on to their property to try and take photos of the hawk. I was able to sit near a small group of trees for a few hours and watch as this beautiful hawk hover-hunted around the area. The hawk made a few passes close enough to me for the following photos. Based on the bird’s dark mottled bib;  barring through the belly, flanks, and leg feathers; and the white tail with a wide black subterminal band this hawk is a textbook light morph adult male – moderately marked type. Other raptors that passed through the area while I was there included 3 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 juvenile Northern Harrier, 1 adult Bald Eagle, 1 female American Kestrel, and a few Turkey Vultures.

Rough-legged Hawk - Light Morph Adult Male

Rough-legged Hawk - Light Morph Adult Male

Rough-legged Hawk - hovering

Rough-legged Hawk - dorsal view