I’d like this photo of a male Northern Harrier more if there weren’t camping trailers from a duck hunting club near the auto loop of Bear River MBR behind him.

Male Northern Harrier in flight dorsal view, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahMale Northern Harrier in flight dorsal view – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

I know that the camping trailers are pretty bright and a touch distracting. The appeal of this photo for me is the dorsal view of the male harrier and the great view of his bright yellow eye. Besides, it had been a while since I had a Gray Ghost in my viewfinder. I love seeing these hawks.

When I drove up on the Northern Harrier he was on the standing on the flats eating a vole. Before I could stop my Jeep the harrier lifted off and dropped his prey. I quickly turned off the engine and took a few images of the harrier in flight. Then I moved my Jeep towards the east and watched as the harrier circled back to find his prey.

I felt bad for disrupting the harrier’s breakfast but chances are that he would have lifted off for any vehicle traveling by. He was that close to the road. It was a good feeling to see him fly back for his food and land on the flats again.

Now that colder weather has arrived I hope to have Northern Harriers in my viewfinder more frequently. During the summer I don’t see them as often because I spend most of my time up in the mountains and not in the marshes and wetlands that this species prefers.

It felt nice to have this male harrier in my viewfinder for a few seconds.

Life is good.

Mia

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