This photo of a frosty Northern Harrier was taken almost five years ago. Although the harrier is small in the frame, I still find the image visually appealing.
Frosty Northern Harrier on the ground – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I was photographing birds at Farmington Bay WMA that morning almost five years ago. Temps were below freezing, and everything, including some of the birds, was covered in frost.
Just before the sun lit up the marsh, I spotted and pointed out the young male harrier perched on a dirt clod. Even the clods of dirt were frosty. The harrier may have even looked like a dirt clod to some people.
By waiting just a few seconds, the sun lit up the Northern Harrier and the marshy area around him. The images I took of this young hawk had a lovely glow to them.
When I saw this photo in my archives, it reminded me of a small in frame harrier image that my dear friend Steve Creek shared on his blog this month. His harrier was perched on a speed limit sign at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma with fall colors in the background. The harrier he photographed was also frosty, and the photo showed glowing morning light.
I find both mine and Steve’s harrier photos interesting and appealing, even though they are in two different states. Plus, both images show how well-equipped these hawks are for surviving the cold winter temperatures in both locations.
I haven’t been able to photograph many Northern Harriers so far this autumn; most of the harriers I have seen have been too far away. I’m looking forward to having them in my viewfinder again, close up or far away, frosted or unfrosted!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.
Conditions were similar yesterday and today but with thick fog at times. Not many harriers at Farmington but quiet a few at BRMBR. None close though.
Yet another reminder that birds cannot escape the temperatures we complain about – at either end of the scale. Years back we used to have frost settle on our legs while biking in winter. I didn’t like it at all.
Beautiful bird!—Jeri S.