Eye level with a Northern Harrier – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
Even though I have been a bird photographer for some time now, I still get a thrill when I am eye level with a bird of prey because it feels as if I am more strongly connected to the raptor when they fly in close at eye level.
This female Northern Harrier was hunting along the side of the causeway to Antelope Island State Park when I photographed it.
Most of the time the harrier had her eyes on the ground but in this frame she looked directly towards me.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.
I have only experienced that once and it was with a juvenile Red-tailed hawk. Wonderful shot Mia.
I think that would be a thrill just to see through binoculars, so to get a photo like this is fantastic!
OK! So you weren’t flying along beside him…you were dangling from a hot air ballon at exactly the same height snapping away like mad! No wonder he had his eye on you…
Oooh. How could you not get excited.
Oh that’s beautifully caught, great detail.Not getting it all the time makes us strive and appreciate it all the more.
Another wonderful image Mia, one that makes feel I’m there!
OH yeah … he’s got his eye on you to be sure!!!! Very exciting … and I too love that feeling of connection!!!! Well done as always!!!
Wow, what an in flight picture of Harrier, the eye.