Male Northern Harriers in flight have always been one of my favorite subjects. Throw in a menacing stare from those lemon-yellow eyes and you have every chance for an image that holds your attention.
1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, not baited, set up or called in
Usually these birds are so intent on their hunting that you only get fleeting eye contact as they pass by but this adult male looked my way long enough for me to get several images where he was drilling me with both eyes. I also liked the hanging feet, flared tail and the separation of the bird from the background.
Harriers have been relatively scarce around here recently so this is an older image.
Ron
I’m fascinated by this photo, Ron – Tell me more about the harrier hawk. Are their numbers dwindling? Do we know why?
Karen, to my knowledge Northern Harriers are holding their own in most of North America. It’s just in the last few weeks that I’ve been seeing significantly fewer of them in places where they’re usually abundant this time of year. I don’t know why…
Thank you, Charlotte.
What a fantastic shot Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Oh my. And under a gaze like that, I would confess to everything. Anything and everything. Penetrating is an understatement.
I probably would too, Elephant’s Child. Thanks.
What a spectacular photo! I hope that Harrier numbers start picking up again, for their sake as well as ours.
As do I, Susan. Sometimes I see a few, other times none at all. Usually I can rely on seeing quite a few of them this time of year.
Great photo! I want him on my team….
Me too, Bill.
WOW!!! That is some serious eye contact! An amazing image!! Love the wing position and the fanned tail. Beautiful!
Thank you, Patty.
Great photo of a real beauty Ron. I have read that there are something like 17 females for every male N. Harrier. Is this true and does this ratio occur in other raptor species?
Thanks
Thank you, Ed. I believe that ratio is a misconception, largely caused by the fact that juvenile male harriers resemble adult females in most ways.
You guys are buddies!! I wouldn’t be surprised if he has seen you before and you don’t represent any threat, so he is just keeping both eyes on you to make sure. Great image, thanks for sharing!
Dick, I’ve often wished I could ID individual birds better so I’d know how often I may have seen one before. I’ve tried doing it but when you’re photographing birds there’s just too many other things that occupy your attention.
Excellent shot! Do so enjoy your photos 🙂
Thank you, Patricia.