Images of birds banking in flight can be quite striking because the flight postures with wings fully extended and the tail spread (in order to catch as much air as possible for the turn) allow a good look at the entire underside or topside of the bird.
But they’re very difficult shots to get because as soon as the bank begins the bird has abruptly changed direction which makes them difficult to track while maintaining focus. It’s easier when they’re further away but then you don’t get very good detail – the closer they are the more challenging the shot becomes.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
I caught this adult female in a banking pose three days ago in the late afternoon (unusual for me, typically I only shoot in the early mornings). With the sun low on the horizon, this posture gave me good light on the underside of the harrier. Birds tend to keep their heads level as they bank which often allows the photographer to get good eye contact in spite of the steep angle of the body.
1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
Even when I do manage to lock on to a banking bird, maintain focus and not clip any body parts, I usually only get one successful shot (if I’m lucky). But two days ago I got three of the same harrier in the same banking turn. This bird was making a sharp turn to come back and challenge another harrier on the ground with prey. This is my favorite shot of the three.
1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
In the next frame the harrier has retracted its wings a bit but since more of the turn has been made there’s slightly better eye contact.
1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
Two frames later the bird has almost completed the turn and is beginning to level out and descend on its rival.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
Then yesterday I was able to get this female in a slow bank as she cruised by checking me out. The lower background is a stand of Phragmites covered with a heavy layer of hoarfrost.
I love this time of year – it’s “harrier heaven”.
Ron
You get a lot of detail and anatomical features in your images, no wonder a thief is so tempted. I’m in no way justifying what he did, but you images are a temptation.
Oh wow. Megathanks. I love the detail you have caught of not only the markings on the plumage, but the marvellous tip-tilt at the wing tips. Thank you.
Lovely! Thanks again!
Thanks to all for the very nice comments so far. They are much appreciated!
So magnificent–both bird and photographs! Thank you.
We have one that we named Harry Spotter. We only see him in the Fall and Winter, just in the last few years.
Great photos!!!
Dana
http://leicalady.wordpress.com
Love the name, Leicalady.
Wow!
Ron,
I stumbled upon your site as I looked for comparison pics of a male Northern Harrier I photographed here in NJ. You’ve got some wonderful shots here! Last time I was in Salt Lake, last year, I spent the day on Antelope Island with my 7D and 100-400. What a great place. Wish I had my 500 with me. I never saw so many NHs and Rough-legged hawks in one place. Got some nice shots of a Rock Wren when I was there, a first for me. Anyways, great site and I’ll be a frequent reader!
Chris
NJ
Thanks, Chris. Yes, the island is often a magical place for birds. But like most areas, it can be very slow too. On those days, the scenery sure helps to make up for it.
I think the 2nd one is my favorite, however they are all great shots. I love to see them banking and exposing that white rump.
Breathtaking beautiful shots! Thanks for sharing your shots and your talent Ron!
It’s heaven for us who see these photos,
You have captured the hawks single pointed attention so well.
Thanks