Thanks to cold temperatures and significant snow, some of the Northern Harriers at Farmington Bay are once again hunting closer to the road.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This shot was taken three days ago soon after the bird took off from the frozen marsh. When it first lifted off it was coming toward me and I didn’t like those images as much but it very quickly veered off to its left which gave me a better angle on the bird. Like many raptors, harriers seem to be less skittish in cold temperatures, especially when there’s snow, and that tends to allow better opportunities for photographers. That said, I do wish this bird had been a little closer when it took off.
I find harriers to be extremely challenging to photograph. In flight they seem to instinctively place themselves between my pickup and the sun and then taunt me by coming in close. They always seem to know which side of my vehicle I can’t shoot out of and I swear they watch in amusement as I frantically maneuver my pickup in an effort to get an angle on them and then deliberately fly off a split-second too soon.
Harriers. Gotta love them!
Ron
Ok, I understand the “mobile blind”. I still think a glass top on the cab might be an option!!!
Still and all, despite the devious boid, an amazing shot! Oh, those wing feathers…
Their underwings are neat, aren’t they, Nancy?
Love the detail in that wing, and the fanned tail.
And yes, I am quite convinced that birds and animals have a sense of humour – often at our expense.
Thanks, EC. And you may be right about the sense of humor. If so, it’s particularly wicked in harriers…
Ron, how about getting OUT of the pickup? How about a glass bubble over the bed allowing for 360 degrees of shooting? Anyway, I really like seeing the underside of the wings so distinctly.
Thanks!!
Karen, Getting out of my pickup would defeat the purpose (and the advantage) of using it as a “mobile blind”. Harriers in particular are much more fearful of a person on foot than they are of vehicles. If I were outside my pickup they would NEVER come in close.
Have been playing catch-up with your photos again, Ron, and have to say this Harrier shot is among my all-time favorites — what a gorgeous raptor! Love being able to see all the fine-feathered details with the uplifted wings, and that amazing face.
Happy New Year!
Thank you, Chris. Same to you!
Ron,perhaps you are part of a hazing ritual.
“See that guy in the truck?”
“Yeah.”
“Well if you want to join in our harrier games, you have to let him think he’s going to get a great shot then veer off.”
You’ve got them pegged, Arwen.
Beautiful shot of a gorgeous bird! Glad this one cooperated at least a little with you.
Occasionally they do, Susan. Sort of…
So, that’s what they look like up close! Wonderful photograph!
Your explanation that Harriers seem less skittish in cold weather and snow helps me understand why I can’t get closer than about four miles to one. Even at that distance they are gorgeous!
Wally, For most of the time during the warmer months our birds mostly hunt far out in the marsh. Nearly all of my decent shots of them were taken in winter conditions – something you really don’t have in Florida.
Great shot, beautiful scene, almost like you took it in what looks like my backyard, I wish!!
I wish this was my backyard too, Dick. It would sure save a lot of gas and time. Thank you
Fantastic shot Ron Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.