I like to get the interesting ventral plumage patterns of Northern Harriers in my images whenever I can. They tend to fly low when hunting so I don’t often get a good look at the underside of both tail and wings in the same shot. But this bird cooperated for an instant and I happened to fire my shutter at just the right moment.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
The hawk had been hunting low and slow as it came my way (they often old their legs and feet in this position when they’re flying slowly, the bird did not just take off). It was very aware of exactly how far it was away from me (in my pickup) and how close it was willing to get before it veered off. In these cases I always make every attempt to fire off a burst just as it turns away because it’s then that you have the best chance of getting interesting wing and tail positions. The problem is that they often make a quick change in elevation as they do it so it’s very easy to lose focus on the bird or clip body parts.
This time I was lucky. The flared tail and direct look from that bright yellow eye were the icing on the cake.
Ron
Hi Ron,
Superb images and great website.
I am a steady Harrier seeker. I have noticed a sharp decline in sightings this past year or so. Could just be coincidence I suppose, but I’d love to talk with you
For a few minutes about their hunting patterns per season. I notice more activity in the dead of winter. This is coastal Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
If you are willing to chat sometime, just email back and I’ll get you my number. many thanks, John
Beautiful bird, terrific background, superb image detail. Impressive all the way around!
Wow! What a sensational flight shot on! The angle is amazing!
Charlotte
Definitely caught the bird’s gracefulness, too.
Could you see it’s prey? Years ago I got a sequence of a Northern Harrier pursuing Valley Quail while out with my Weimaraner. Images with my auto-focus film camera were not well focused, but pleased me immensely. So had them printed; mounted on matt board with spray adhesive and hung on my home office wall. Your image is a stunning reminder of that experience. Thank you for sharing it and so many others.
Gary, No, I couldn’t see the potential prey (mostly voles) – they were hidden too deeply in the vegetation or in their burrows. I’m glad you have your images as a memento of your harrier encounter.
Definitely a red letter day. I hope you can have/or have had a celebratory drink this evening.
I certainly did, Elephant’s Child. And if push came to shove I might even admit to having had more than one…
It’s clear from the bird’s facial expression that he’s telling you to snap the shutter NOW!! Great view of the ventral plumage. This is an amazing photo of a gorgeous bird.
You may be right, Susan – the bird was barely tolerating me. Disdainfully, to boot…
I don’t see how a flying raptor flight image could get much better than this. I was wondering if possibly the legs hanging down are acting as drag to help slow itself down while in flight? Thanks again Ron.
I’m not sure, Steve. I’ve always kind of thought it was a musculoskeletal thing that is just more natural or comfortable while flying slow. When they’re flying slow like this there wouldn’t be much drag from the legs at all. Who knows…
What a great face! And love those “hanging” legs. A really beautiful image, Ron.
Those hanging legs are a hallmark of the species when they’re hunting slow, Chris. I like them too (partly because it’s a sign that the bird is flying slowly enough that I just might get focus lock on it…)
Very very nice Ron! Love the colors!
Thank you, Nancy.
Ron- love the harriers. 1/3200 sec worked well for a sharp image. Did you get the 7d2? If so, how do you like it? I have it but, still working thru settings etc.
Bob, Yes, I bought the Mark 2 and I do like it, though like you I’m still fine tuning settings. It’s a slow process for me right now because weather and lack of birds have made my shooting opportunities few and far between. This image was taken almost exactly a year ago.
Love the crisp detail intense gaze and soft muted background…
Thanks, Patty. I’ve always liked the backgrounds we tend to get around here in the early winter before the serious snows hit.