(Buteo lagopus)
Migration Timeframe:
In the last 10 years not a single Roughleg has been observed
during the month of September. They start to migrate in the
first part of October, and increase in numbers until the
end of the month. Statistically, October is the peak month for
Roughlegs at Hawk Cliff, while many may be observed at the
beginning of November and through until mid-December.
Year |
Peak Week |
Avg |
2002-2007 |
Nov 03-09 |
14 |
Year |
Peak Week |
Count |
2008 |
Oct 27-Nov 02 |
22 |
Year |
Earliest
Obs |
Count |
Year |
Latest
Obs |
Count |
2002-2007 |
Oct 01 2003 |
1 |
2002-2007 |
Dec 08 2007 |
2 |
2008 |
Oct 10 |
1 |
2008 |
Nov 21 |
5 |
Where to Watch:
Like many of the other buteos, Roughlegs tend to
pass through the hawkwatch area inland from the cliff. Observers
will most often watch for Roughlegs starting at "Sharpie Alley" (just south
of the ravine) and then moving further northward. They're typically
seen migrating through individually in small numbers.
High Counts:
The Roughleg numbers were once again well short of the record set in
2004 and no other records were set in 2008
1-Year |
Count |
1-Month |
Count |
2004 |
110 |
Nov 2004 |
67 |
1-Day |
Count |
1-Hour |
Count |
Nov 21 1987 |
51 |
Nov 03 2004 |
9 |
Yearly Totals:
The 2008 yearly fell short of both the 10-Year and the 5-Year averages.
(averages are based on 1998-2007 and 2003-2007 counts). .
Year |
Count |
Year |
Count |
Year |
Count |
1995 |
15 |
2000 |
14 |
2005 |
55 |
1996 |
32 |
2001 |
22 |
2006 |
43 |
1997 |
16 |
2002 |
12 |
2007 |
43 |
1998 |
40 |
2003 |
43 |
2008 |
41 |
1999 |
83 |
2004 |
110 |
2009 |
N/A |
Interesting Facts:
-
Rough-legged Hawks are
rare
south of wintering range. Males all ages winter farther
south the females.
-
All
Roughlegs winter in southern Canada and northern - and mid -
states in the U.S. Seldom venture to Florida or to Gulf of
Mexico states.
-
Availability of summer prey dictates Roughie numbers, and
the former may fluctuate significantly. Sometimes, when prey
is short, Roughlegs will leave (again!) in Jan/Feb (late
migration !!) and move farther south (to the U.S.)
-
During winter months, the majority of Roughlegs seen in
southern Ontario are most likely to be females (adults and
juveniles)
-
During winter months, the majority of
Roughies seen in s. Ontario are most likely to be females :
adults and juveniles. Sometimes, when prey is short,
Rouglegs will leave (again!) in Jan/Feb (late migration !!)
and move farther south (to the USA)