Written By Jenny Flavin
As the weather begins to change and the air becomes more crisp, you may have noticed that
some of our feathered friends have moved south for the winter, and a new group has been
visiting the feeder. But did you know that some of our raptor friends migrate as well?
During October and November, we begin to see the rough-legged hawk. We are lucky enough
at Ravensbeard to have an ambassador of this species. Apollo came to us as an education bird
in need of a home. He has a leg injury that makes him unable to continue his life in the wild.
Now he spends his retirement teaching people about these unique birds. His sweet nature
makes him one of the favorites here at the center.
Rough-legged hawks spend their spring and summer in the Arctic, where they breed and nest,
surviving primarily on a diet of lemmings. As the months become colder and days become
shorter, hunting becomes increasingly difficult and they need to move south in search of less
snow cover and more light. During this time they can be seen in southern Canada and the
northern United States.
Rough-legged hawks are named for the specialized feathers that spread down their legs and
feet to protect them against the harsh cold of the Arctic. Their feet appear to be much smaller
than those of other hawks, an adaptation often seen in Arctic animals to protect their extremities
from the cold. Those small feet are also what let them perch on fine and delicate branches on
the tops of trees, where they are often seen during migration.
These hawks have the ability to hover in midair while hunting, a behavior sometimes called
“kiting.” They are able to hold their heads completely still while using their wings to adjust to
wind currents, giving them the distinct appearance of floating. During their time here, they feed
mostly on voles and other small rodents before they head back to the Arctic in the spring to
continue their breeding cycle.
The rough-legged hawk is just one of the visitors we see coming our way in the winter months.
Look for them in the early morning or just before dusk. They favor open areas like fields, farms,
or marshes. Use their dark belly patch and white tail with a dark band near the tip to help
identify them. Remember to always stay on public land and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Let us know if you catch a glimpse of one, and we’ll be sure to tell Apollo!