First Spring Northern Harrier in Box Elder County

First Spring Northern Harrier – Nikon D810, f9, 1/640, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

I went up to northern Utah yesterday hoping to see and photograph more Short-eared Owls and although I did see them they were off in the distance and not close enough to take high quality images.

However, I was able to take quite a few images of a very cooperative first spring Northern Harrier that was perched on an old post next to the road in Box Elder County. I’m not an expert at sexing immature harriers but I am fairly certain this is a male.

First spring Northern Harrier rousing – Nikon D810, f9, 1/500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

The harrier preened for a bit then roused it feathers while still keeping an eye on me. It was a very relaxed harrier and didn’t lift off when a large truck within 15 feet of it rumbled by. An adult Northern Harrier probably wouldn’t have been that sticky, at least that has been the case in my own experiences with them.

Young Northern Harrier on one leg – Nikon D810, f9, 1/500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

After rousing and settling its feathers I expected the immature harrier to lift of and it did before I could take off my TC so every photo I have of it lifting off had a body part that was clipped. As soon as it finished rousing I should have taken my TC off. Live and learn.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.