On this Christmas morning, I am sharing a photo of a young female Northern Harrier in flight that I took exactly three years ago at Farmington Bay WMA.
Christmas Day young Northern Harrier – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
That Christmas morning, I found a lot of birds, including an immature Great Blue Heron, a handsome male American Kestrel, a couple of young Red-tailed Hawks, and one Bald Eagle adult perched in a tree. I also saw several Northern Harriers.
I’m not sure why I never shared this harrier image before, except maybe because that Christmas Day was pretty birdy. The young female Northern Harrier flew in so close that I could barely fit her into my viewfinder.
I’ve been struggling this week with this sinus stuff I have had going on. I am also missing my mother. It is my first Christmas without her, and it already seems so strange that I can’t call and hear her voice on the other end of the phone on this holiday. I can almost hear Mom telling me to get outside with nature, even if it is only for a few minutes; that it will do me good. I hope I feel up to that later today.
But I do have my darling sons, their wonderful families, my supportive niece Kristal, and her daughter Wren, along with amazing friends and family that are near and dear to my heart this Christmas. They are gifts each and every day. I’m so grateful for you all. I am blessed.
I am also grateful for the solace, joy, and peace that being in nature offers me every day of the year.
Happy Holidays, Everyone! Thank you for being here with me today and always. I hope your holiday is filled with love, joy, friends, and family!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Northern Harrier photos plus facts and information about this species.
Merry Christmas! Best wishes for a healthy and Happy New Year.
Great pic of the Northern Harrier. Coming in hot…just like a Stealth bomber; pity the poor critter she’s tracking. I love how you capture moments like this. It’s like getting a Christmas gift…everyday. Merry Christmas Mia. You are a treasure.
Merry Christmas Mia! 🎄
Happy Holidays, Mia. Holidays are hard with the loss of family. Seems there has been a lot of loss this past year. Guess we are getting to that stage of life. I do hope you can get out today, it is looking lovely. Get well soon we still have a postponed adventure waiting for us!
Those firsts hurt. I hope you can get into nature later today.
Thank you for this stunning image – and hugs.
Stunning harrier! Sending a ton of love as you navigate all these “firsts” without your dear mom. ❤️
Merry Christmas, Mia. We wish you good snow and blue skies!
Merry Christmas! Gorgeous shot of the young Northern Harrier.
Thanks for starting my Xmas day —and every day —with another lovely bird shot.-Jeri S.
Merry Christmas Mia!
We had a fun treat while decorating our Christmas tree. It comes from a local lot, we tractored out into the trees with the owner and chose it.
After getting it set up and beginning to put on lights, my son found a bird’s nest deep inside!! Beautiful!
Merry Christmas my friend!
Merry Christmas! That is a gorgeous harrier shot. Hope this year is the best one yet.