Fun with some Utah winter birds

Juvenile Rough-legged Hawk

 

For my post this month I wanted to share some of the birds I have been photographing in Utah so far this winter, we have had very low temperatures, snow and our infamous inversions but that has not stopped me from getting out as often as possible. Yesterday while showing a friend and fellow bird photographer from Arizona around we found this cooperative juvenile Rough-legged Hawk perched on a bush at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area. The Wasatch Mountains are in the background but the haze of the inversion we are currently having muted the mountains.

American Coot walking on snow-covered ice

This American Coot was also photographed at Farmington Bay WMA in early January, I love how this image shows the huge lobed feet of this species. The coots hang around open water and when it finally freezes over completely they will move to wherever they find open water.

Adult Bald Eagle landing on the frozen Bear River

Christmas Day found me photographing birds at Bear River National Wildlife Refuge, it was a crisp, cold day with very little traffic on the road which was delightful. This adult Bald Eagle had been resting on the frozen Bear River when it lifted off and moved a short distance towards the east and the morning light made the eagle glow.

Calling Chukar in fresh snow

It was wonderful to find Chukars on Antelope Island State Park towards the end of December, their beautiful soft colors and striking plumage patterns stand out so very well against the fresh white snow. It was an added bonus that this one was calling too.

Golden Eagle that was too close!

I don't often complain when birds get too close because it doesn't happen all that often but this Golden Eagle flew in too close for me to get the whole bird in the frame on Antelope Island State Park. I don't see these magnificent raptors as often as I would like so I was happy with this image despite the clipped wings and tail.

Great Blue Heron lift off

Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area has provided me the opportunity to photograph two heron species in the snow recently, one of them was this Great Blue Heron that had been resting on the bank of a creek that lifted off and moved a few feet further to the west. I love the shadow and the flying snow under the feet.

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron

The other heron species I have been seeing a lot of recently are Black-crowned Night Herons, this juvenile was resting on ice near some open water when I photographed it at Farmington Bay WMA and we had great views of its brilliant orange eyes and large feet.

Male Ring-necked Pheasant

I've also had ample opportunities to photographed Ring-necked Pheasants and they really stand out from the snow. The males are especially colorful.

Barn Owl in flight

Heavy snow cover and frigid temperatures have forced the Barn Owls at Farmington Bay WMA to hunt during daylight to find enough prey and calories to survive the harsh winter we are experiencing.

It sure has been fun to photograph these Utah birds this winter and it isn't over yet!

Mia
OnTheWingPhotography