Northern Harrier

Gallery: AvianPosted January 1, 20171,134 views4 comments

Shot this at Sacramento NWR a few days ago. I got a similar shot (not posted) about a month ago at the exact same place at the refuge. At that time, the bird approached in exactly the same way, same direction, elevation - everything the same way as this one. Probably not a coincidence - must be a regular route. D500, 150-600 @ 550, F8, 1/6400, ISO 1250. Comments and criticism are greatly appreciated.

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Ed Cordes on January 1, 2017 at 9:51 PM

Very nice image. Obviously learning the behavior of the bird contributes to getting good images.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 451 Posts, 3366 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 1, 2017 at 10:09 PM

Interesting, Jim. Like almost all critters, birds form habits, though I think they tend to change up fairly regularly. When we have Harriers hunting our property, they don't seem to follow quite the same pattern twice in a row, but that could be wind variability. I've noticed at a lot of the refuges I've visited that they tend to follow the dikes and canals a lot. Anyhow, a very good flight shot of this harrier with lovely light.

devil

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on January 2, 2017 at 10:34 AM

Hi Jim,

Very nice comp and the harrier is very crisp. A very challenging shot and you were in the right place at the right time...................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on January 2, 2017 at 12:38 PM

I think the best part of this for me is the light in the wing position. That said, they eye looks terrific and the detail is wonderful.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments