Northern Harrier in flightFemale Northern Harrier in flight at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

It was brisk at Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area yesterday morning with a low of -5°F but there were birds flying, the sun was shining and the views of snow-covered Antelope Island to the west and the Wasatch Mountain Range to the east were stunning.

While I was photographing some ducks and grebes yesterday I spotted this female Northern Harrier in flight coming in from the south and when she flew over the water I was able to get a series of images of her against the sky. There don’t seem to be as many of the Northern Harriers at Farmington Bay as there have been in years past but they may be hunting further out in the marsh because a lot of the Phragmites near the road have been removed because it is invasive.

Even though winters can be harsh in the Salt Lake Valley and temperatures can be very low, I love it.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.