Rough-legged Hawk banks to the west after kiting over the prairie in the cold, blustery winter winds. The 2nd image (pano) illustrates well how this hawk acquired its moniker. The name "Rough-legged" refers to the feathered legs . . .

A Red-tailed Hawk in flight with the breezy spring winds over the Illinois prairie.

Pretty sure this Red-tailed Hawk looks like how many of us feel after this last election cycle . . .

A Red-tailed Hawk enjoys its evening snack in the quiet of an old oak tree. The 3rd image shows this beautiful juvenile using its talon to pull the tough, final remnants apart.

Found this beauty in the forest with a bead on an evening snack. This juvenile red-tailed hawk was active among the oaks and some of the fallen logs until it eventually bagged its prey and took it to a safe spot up in the tall oaks.

Red-tailed hawk displays its gorgeous feathering while staring down earlier this Spring in McHenry County, Illinois.