The first raptor I photographed in 2024 was this young male Northern Harrier that I found near the refuge auto tour loop at Bear River MBR on New Year’s Day.
Young male Northern Harrier on the wing – Nikon D500, f8, 1/5000, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
The first raptor I saw, but didn’t photograph, was a Rough-legged Hawk. I found it perched in a Russian Olive near the Bear River. I didn’t stop to photograph the Roughie because it was nearly hidden behind the spindly branches of the olive tree.
I had almost completed the auto tour loop when I saw this first winter Northern Harrier flying towards me. He didn’t get quite as close to my Jeep as I hoped he would, but I enjoyed having him in my viewfinder just the same.
I don’t see or photograph Northern Harriers nearly as often as I used to after moving to northern Utah from Florida. Our changing climate and habitat destruction have something to do with that.
A big concern for me is the use of cattle for phragmites mitigation at the refuge during the bird breeding season. Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls and lots of other birds nest on the ground at the refuge.
The cattle that are being used at the refuge for phragmites mitigation can and will stomp on the nests of ground nesting birds which can destroy the eggs or kill the young chicks. There are approximately 70 species that nest at the refuge with many of them being ground nesting birds.
I was happy to have photographed this young male Northern Harrier in flight on New Year’s Day. Seeing him flying over the marsh at the refuge was a delight.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful pic. I love the graceful power of raptors and this shot captures it all. Thanks Mia.
It;s amazing the differences of females and males. Great capturing of beautiful design of wing feathers, thank you.
Great Photo Mia. Would love to know what makes you think it is a male. Anxious to learn!
I hope it is the first of many.
Hope we see more!
What a way to start 2024, raptor-wise — a Roughie and this beautiful Northern Harrier! As usual, people caused one problem and then cause several more by trying to “fix” the first one, vis-a-vis the phrags.
Gorgeous feather colors. So nice to see a raptor in flight.—Jeri S.
I can understand that people/governments want to eradicate phragmites (at least in Ontario they do) but not by using cattle that might unwittingly step on nests. There has to be other ways. Great shot of the Northern Harrier.
Thanks, Mia, I love this bird. I’ve seen several near and around Jordanelle. That big white band helps me identify them.