Immature male Northern Harrier flying over a wintry marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This immature male Northern Harrier photo shows the hawk small in the frame with wintry marsh habitat behind and below it. The image was taken last February at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on a relatively clear morning from the self-guided auto tour route.
The Northern Harrier never closely approached me so there was never a chance of a frame filling image of this bird. I took a series of images of the young harrier flying over the marsh as he hunted for prey simply because I knew that with the bird small in the frame more of the marsh would be visible in my photos. As much as I enjoy having my avian subjects fill the frames I take I also appreciate the photos I create where the habitat in the image shows where the birds live.
Even though the marsh, vegetation, ice, and snow are not in focus combined they convey a sense of place in this image plus the harriers “place” in the habitat.
Personally, I love this view of this harrier doing what harriers do where they do it.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’m going to third that – I love the photo, too. Beautiful bird. Thanks for all the photos you post!
It is a lovely area.
Thank you. I always appreciate your habitat shots.
They love to fly so low, and so far away. Great background.
Great image. I love the winter marsh background. I’m curious though about how you can distinguish an immature male from a female?
I love it too…..great photo.