Rough Legged Hawk

    Winter is Here.  Officially, yes, it's a few days away.  But the sun has dipped low on the horizon and the lag-effect of cooling of the Earth is now upon us.  This process has driven many animals to warmer climes, or perhaps windier environments where some vegetation may be more exposed, or to lower elevations where the environment is slightly less brutal.

    Migration.  A long and in-depth process.  Also a long and in-depth discussion, probably for another time when I have more ink with which to write.  Mankind has certainly had an effect on migration, from corridors to road kill to prohibitive fencing.  For now, occasionally with some human help, most species are doing alright.  In the long run, most of them will be fine as a species.

    Lately I've seen a number of rough-legged hawks.  Beautiful creatures.  As the red-tailed hawks leave this valley rough-legged hawks move in.  Though we see fewer species of raptors during our winter months here, we still have quite a few birds of prey, including our national bird, the bald eagle.  For now I plan to continue enjoying seeing these rough-legged hawks, as it seems I'm seeing more than usual.  I suppose the one in this photo from today could serve as the angel in its Christmas tree.  Ahh, maybe that's a stretch.  Maybe rough-legged hawks appear to be angelic sometimes but that doesn't make them an angel!