A Rough-Legged Hawk is one of three American raptors to have legs feathered all the way down to their toes. The Ferruginous Hawk and the Golden Eagle are the other two “rough-leggers”.
Of all birds, Hawks seem to be the most likely to adapt to and even embrace human habitats. Man-made objects like fence posts, telephone poles, and utility structures make great perches. Rough-Legged Hawks can often be seen near the Jackson Hole Elk Refuge sitting on fence posts and perch hunting. They scan the empty spaces by the roadside looking for voles, mice, and other prey. And then, they pounce. . .