Sunday, February 15, 2009

Hunting Harrier


Returning home yesterday morning from a fairly uneventful wildlife photo outing (yes I do encounter those too) I noticed this female Northern Harrier hunting over the field behind my home. I quickly set my camera bag on the deck and scooped out the 30D with the 100-400mm attached, hurried to the back of the deck as the Harrier circled and came in low once more.

Northern Harriers also known as Marsh Hawks are large birds with a 1 meter wing span and an owl like face. When hunting they fly close to the ground watching and listening intently. Moments later as this bird passed into a neighboring field, its effort paid off when she dropped to the ground capturing something. I could not distinguish what she had caught. After feeding for a few seconds she again took flight and disappeared into the distance.

7 comments:

  1. Great capture, it seems like she is looking straight at the camera.

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  2. As you know, these are extremely hard birds to photograph due to their constant up and down surveying for game. You did good Coy getting this flier. Blue Skies.

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  3. Excellent catch Coy!! It is so nice to have these around the home.

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  4. This is a nice capture especially since it looks like it was difficult due to the background colors being so similar to the bird. Wonderful shot. :) :)

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  5. Great flying capture... Well done, it is magnificent...

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Thanks again
Coy