Boy, these are some absolutely gorgeous raptors. Ferruginous hawks are North America’s largest hawk and get their name from their rusty (ferruginous) shoulders and legs. The light morph ones, like this one, throw in some awesome gray accents and brilliant white underwings and bellies.

Here in Colorado, they are most often spotted during the winter when their numbers grow and they seem to outnumber the ubiquitous red-tailed hawk. This past weekend I saw dozens of them in various locations.

This was one of two that chose to share a perch on a power pole but were not so keen on being photographed. That worked out okay as I was able to nab some nice fight shots.

As we get further into the colder months, I am slowly seeing more and more of these cool raptors.

This particular one was staking out a pole on a road near a prairie dog colony but decided it didn’t want its picture taken. This image gives you a nice look at those long legs and the wings that give it a 4 1/2-foot wingspan.

Ferruginous hawks are one of only three American raptors to have feathers all the way down to their feet (the other two being the rough-legged hawk and golden eagle). They are the largest hawk in North America and quite impressive.

Quite a show from this beautiful raptor! As winter weather begins to take hold, more and more of these cool guys are arriving to the plains of Colorado. This one was hanging out on a fence post, keeping watch then took flight.

The image really showcases that beautiful, white, brown and gray plumage – and its impressive five foot wingspan. More often than not, you will actually find these hawks on the ground, staking out a prairie dog colony hoping to make a meal out of the unsuspecting rodents.

A nice way to cap off a decent photo excursion. My morning had gone pretty well with a good number of wildlife sightings but action was the one thing lacking. The critters had been out and about but just not too motivated to do anything.

Thankfully, this gorgeous raptor corrected that issue as my drive came to an end. It launched from a power pole and rather than departing the area, came right back and circled overhead five or six times. That afforded me some nice captures including this one as it flew right at me.

There is a reason these raptors are one of my favorite hawks and looks like this are why.

Their faces are quite unique, largely due to that mouth gape – what I call their “joker smile.” It is distinctive and certainly gives them some personality. Throw in the crazy cool, multi-colored plumage and the fact that they are the largest buteo in North America and they are just awesome.

I photograph them often here in Colorado, especially during the winter. This particular one is a captive bird, an educational ambassador for a great non-profit called Nature’s Educators.

There are a number of reasons these raptors are my favorite hawks, not the least of which is their coloring. That brilliant white plumage on their underside is just amazing. Throw in some gorgeous, blue Colorado skies and the #bird really pops.

This beautiful ferruginous was hanging out on a pole yesterday and I of course had to stop and snap some pics. It wasn’t too inclined to hang around but as it departed it gave me this nice shot.

The first of these of the season that I have seen and it was not inclined to put on a show.

Perhaps it was the cold coupled with the slight breeze that made the conditions comfortable, but this cool raptor wasn’t going to let any pesky humans bother it. From its perch atop a utility pole, it sat firm, watching the traffic go by and staying put.

Ferruginous hawks are one of my favorite hawks and the dark morph variety is somewhat rare and exceptionally beautiful. In flight, the underside of their wings are bright white making for a cool contrast from the dark brown of the rest of its plumage.

My favorite hawk and a capture of one that I really love. This is a captive raptor, one of the participants at the raptor photoshoot event I did last weekend.

I wasn’t particularly excited about seeing a ferruginous hawk there if only because I get pics of these guys often in the wild. They are common in northeastern Colorado, particularly during the winter.

But, the benefit of this event is it let me get far closer than what I can in the wild and the controlled environment gave me time to compose my shots and really try to nail them. Mission accomplished on this pic I believe.

Thank you to Nature’s Educators for the opportunity!

Oh, how I love these raptors. They are simply gorgeous and being the largest hawk in North America, quite impressive.

I happened across this one one month ago today as it perched in a tree overlooking a prairie dog colony. No doubt breakfast was on its mind and it was simply waiting and choosing its target.

We see these here in Colorado most often during the winter. A few stay year-round but soon they will become much more scarce.