Hunting male Northern Harrier behind vegetation – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I saw and photographed several species of birds yesterday morning at Farmington Bay WMA and I was able to take nice images of most of them. Today I am focusing on an adult male Northern Harrier that I had in my viewfinder for a few seconds yesterday that was on the wing over the marsh.
I spotted this “Gray Ghost” from a distance and I was happy that he turned in flight and flew in my direction but I had vegetation in between the harrier and my lens for a bit. It was a challenge to keep focused on the hawk because of the vegetation. In the photo above there are out of focus stalks of grass in between me and the harrier which is why he looks a little fuzzy in this image.
Hunting male Northern Harrier in early December – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
As the Northern Harrier flew closer he rose slightly above the grasses while in flight which gave me a clearer view of his gray plumage and his lemony yellow eyes.
Adult male Northern Harrier side view on the wing – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I have had several opportunities with adult female and immature Northern Harriers since the gate just south of Goose Egg Island at Farmington Bay WMA was opened for the season in September but this was my first real close opportunity with a male this year.
The male Northern Harrier flew past me above the grasses with the marsh behind him.
Male Northern Harrier in flight in a hazy sky – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Then the male harrier flew higher and I had a hazy sky background behind him and a great view of his yellow eye.
It was terrific to have a Gray Ghost in my viewfinder again.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful pics! You caught the eye perfectly in every shot; especially the last one. Incredibly vivid. Thanks Mia.
Great capture.
I admire your work and this is one of my favorites.
Thank you
Very Nice! I have found Harriers very challenging to photograph. They are so quick and nimble and always seem to be flying farther away rather than closer!
How very, very beautiful. Many thanks.
Beautiful! They are nice in coloration.
Great Photos. I have never see one before. Those photo captures are Top Job Mia. Thanks for the share. Love them .
What a great series, you have captured well the focus of the “grey ghost” on the hunt.
Wow!! Great captures!