Northern Harrier

I don't find the BG busy at all; the colors complement the bird very well, and it couldn't be more classic habitat. I really like the light on the bird and the full extension of the talons.

Some day, when I'm visiting family in Idaho, I'm gong to get over to Utah and persuade you to teach me how to get these superb flight shots of Harriers. On breeding territory in Alaska, they are unbelievably spooky...

I'm glad you posted this Ron, I like the intimacy of your composition, the down swept wings, splayed out foot and the great look at this female's head & eyes. I don't think the background looks to busy at all.

A fine harrier image.

Ron:
You should change the titles on these to JASNHS (just another spectacular northern harrier shot). I'm with Jim: I don't find the BG busy either. The catch light, positions of wings, dangling talons, and nice view of feather arrangement in the bird's left wing are the most positive aspects of this shot for me.

Ok Ron these harriers are your pets right??? That nice sharp eye just draws my eye to it, so that BG is just fine. Well done!!

I echo David's comments - outstanding once again

- Luke

Great BIF shot Ron. Nice detail in the face. The busy background doesn't bother me as there is enough contrast differance between it and the bird. Well done.
Clayton

Another superb Northern Harrier capture from you! You've really got a masterful collection, Ron!

This would only be too tight if you clipped off the wing or some other body part, I like the immediacy and intimacy of the raptor in the frame. Superb as usual Ron "Harrier" Dudley.

It's a beauty, Ron. Very dramatic pose, great detail in the wing and excellent sharpness on the face. Nice view of the foot and talons, too. The bg is not a problem for me at all.

Tremendous detail in the wings and the face is tack sharp as well, a beauty Ron

This is simply a beautiful capture. The moment of lift off and the position of the wings draw me in and reveal the wonderful feather detail and sharpness of the head & eye.

I don't know how you do it, Ron: spectacular capture.

Ron....I am with Nancy on this one...do youown a Harrier farm??? I am amazed at how many of these birds to photograph and also how well. This one is no exception. Fantastic light and action!

Very nice! Excellent sharpness and detail.I agree with everyone else about the merits of this shot.

Great clarity and detail Ron despite the busy background. You appear to be above the bird - are you on a levee bank?

cheers
Rob

I know this may sound funny Ron, but this shot is all about the spread out foot for me. The face and the near wing are great, but the foot just grabs me. I guess it is because it is a raptor and I always look at the feet of raptors because they play such an important part in their evolution as hunters. To me, the BG habitat is perfect. The bird still dominates as the subject. Super job getting this shot given the closness of the bird and the speed. Super nice as usual.

"are you on a levee bank?" Rob - no, I was in my vehicle on a dirt road that is very slightly elevated relative to where the harrier was perched.

This is great, Ron. you got just enough room at bottom and left and cropped it perfectly. great pose, great sharpness, great harrier habitat. JASNHS!

This one is special!

The background looks fine to me, the head, wingspan and claw all draw me in to the image, super job on this, a pleasure to view.

Ron,
I'm for JASNHS!

I am with David in changing the title to JASHS.
May

Works for me as posted.

What more to add... other than when I mature as an Avian photographer I'd like to be just like you!

That is so awesome how you captured that amazing angle.The wing feathers are so in your face I just love it.The dof on the bird is right on too.