Female Northern Harrier in flight – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/4000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
Typically I see far more Northern Harriers in the winter here in Utah than I do during the breeding season which might be partly due to the harriers preferring to nest within marshy wetland areas which are in abundance around the Great Salt Lake. In fact; many people still call Northern Harriers by the name “Marsh Hawk”.
Last year I found a female Northern Harrier bringing nesting material to the nest which was the first time I had located a harrier nest.
The female above was photographed as she coursed along the Antelope Island causeway as she searched for prey last February.
Female Northern Harrier with the Wasatch Range in the background – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This is the same female taken as she flew east with the snow-covered Wasatch Mountain Range in the background. The white rumps of Northern Harriers help to make the ID easier along with the owl-like facial disc. Females are much browner than the males who are also known as the “Gray Ghost“.
I am always delighted to have opportunities to photograph Northern Harriers especially when they are in flight and I am able to get some eye contact.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.
Hi! Beautiful!! She is saying I know you! Today is your day to catch me watching you and being just in the right place! Love the eye’s and the form & colors!
Thanks Mom, we sure do have some handsome hawks!
Nice wings-up/wings-down comparison in these two images, Mia. That white rump patch is what allowed me to make the ID from a distance the two times that I have seen this raptor. The first time was over a field last January here in central Indiana. It was perched on a chain-link fence surrounding a small airport, then took off and glided low over the field before settling down on the ground.
Julie, I hope that you get to see many more Harriers, they are fascinating raptors and make great subjects. Thanks for your comment.
What wonderful photos, the Northern Harrier was my spark bird, I look for them all the time.
Thank you Susan. I think these could be a spark bird for a lot of people!
What a beauty she is, well photographed Mia.
Thanks Bob, she is a beauty.