Saturday, November 17, 2007

Northern Harrier in Flight

As we pulled onto Skyline Drive from the Big Meadows Visitors Center I noticed a large hawk swoop low and drop out of sight over the edge of the meadow. Pulling the car onto the far berm we saw that it was now perched on a snag looking intently for prey.

Fearing the hawk would fly if we tried to exit the car we both began shooting through the open side window. After a few minutes the hawk flew on, soaring low across the meadow through the falling snow while I shot feverishly. Neither of us was aware of its identity so upon returning home I consulted a bird guide and learned that this was a female Northern Harrier also known as the Marsh Hawk.

A note about my new header:
I shot this skylined buck during the snow along Skyline Drive. Willard mentioned that it would look great if the exposure of the buck were to be darkened to create a silhouette and the gray sky replaced with a sunset. So here you have it, a Virginia whitetail skylined against a Pennsylvania sunset. It makes me wonder how we ever survived before Photoshop :)

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really like the hawk in flight. Excellent. I also like your header or banner.

lv2scpbk said...

Wonderful in flight photo.

Lynette said...

I've enjoyed browsing through your recent posts. Impressive photography and information.

Chad Oneil Myers said...

The new header is great. As I looked at it, I started to wonder if it was a composite, but I think it's a great one that looks quite real.

The Hawk is very cool too. He looks menacing as he stairs back at the earth.

photowannabe said...

Wonderful capture of the hawk. I like how he is gliding through the falling snow. Your header is really beautiful Salty. Composite or not it looks great.

Lucy said...

I love your new header, Salty. Happy (early) Thanksgiving!

Kerri Farley said...

Wonderful new header! And the capture of the hawk is fantastic... the snow falling is a great bonus!

Tom said...

This is a cracker.. of all the birds raptors are my favourite, as our good friend Abe knows.
As for the header.. fantastic... and very well done

Sand said...

I am in love with the new header, its amazing. The hawk in flight is also a great shot. The snow adds that extra special touch.

ASHE said...

Oh wow! I agree with Sand, the snow just adds that extra oomph. It would've been a spectacular shot without, too :)

imac said...

What a photo Salty, Snow as well what more can a photographer ask for.
Perfection.


If you like anticipation then

pop over to see the buildup of the spectacular

DeeMom said...

WOW poetry in motion

smilnsigh said...

About your header... I'm not one who likes Photo-shopping photos. {I'm and odd duck, I know! -grin-} But this is a beautiful way of using Photoshop. :-)

I know you don't need my *approval.* But thought you might get a kick out of being told that you have it. ,-))))

Mari-Nanci