Northern Harriers are notoriously skittish but this may be the “tamest” harrier I’ve ever encountered. Over the past few weeks this bird (at least I believe it to be the same bird) has allowed me a close approach about a half-dozen times as it perched on fence posts next to a rural road in Box Elder County, Utah. It often stays on its perch even when other vehicles drive by so I usually have to wait quite a while with my lens trained on the bird before it chooses to take off.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Typical of harriers it usually launches away from me but three days ago it decided to be slightly more cooperative and took off at a decent angle. I like the energy with those legs and toes extended from the effort of takeoff and the simplicity of the image also appeals to me.
I’m less fond of the moderately harsh light. It was almost 10 AM when I took the shot so the sun was fairly high and strong and the colors are slightly washed out. Some of the whites with direct sunlight on them are also pretty bright and lacking in detail (particularly the white rump under the left wing).
But in my view that’s a bit of a quibble. I can find deficiencies even in my best images and overall this shot works quite well for me.
Ron
What an utterly gorgeous shot! I love the feet and britches, and also the way the wings look very much like hands with fingers. I’m glad this bird decided to be cooperative for you.
Works well for me too Ron–such an unusual pose to see a Harrier in with such detail! Congrats on finding such a cooperative NOHA 😉
It’s really strange, Christine. There are lots of harriers in the area and none of the others are approachable. But this bird has allowed a close approach every time I’ve seen it. Maybe it likes me… 🙂
Wonderful shot, love the eye contact and the pose. Works well for me! I still yet to have any satisfying grey ghost pictures.
Thank you, Tin.
Love those toes. And the outstretched wings. And that your quibbling self admits there are some positives (rather a lot of positives) about the image.
Thanks, EC. But I’m surprised you didn’t mention the “britches”…! 🙂
A beautiful image
Thank you, Carlotta.
You totally crushed it with this shot!! Beautiful and fantastic.
I’m delighted that you like it, Zaphir. Thanks.
Quibble, quibble, quibble…under the rubric of an embarrassment of riches! Again, OH WOW!
Thanks, Laura.
“It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Oh! Yeah, it’s a bird, alright! It’s SUPERBIRD!!!”
For some reason, at first glance, I fiound this images very funny! I think it’s because I never saw a bird in this position captured before…or maybe it’s the starry spread of the talons. One of the things I always enjoy most about your work, is the uniqueness of what you capture…
“starry spread of the talons”
I like that description, Patty – wish I’d thought of it when I was writing my post.
I enjoy the detail you are able to get with your pictures, just amazing.
Thanks, Steve. You’re right, good detail makes a lot of positive difference.
Wonderful photo, Ron even if the light is a bit harsh. I’m with Dick on what I’d have to cull if that was a major concern for me! 🙂
Thank you, Judy.
I would have to throw away (cull) most of my shots if I was concerned about harsh light. This shot is terrific. It really shows, with those outstretched legs, that they launch from a perch. Great shot, sharp as a tack as usual.
Dick, I remember when I first got heavily into photography that I used to think many nature photographers were prima donnas because of their obsession with light quality.
But now I’ve “seen the light”. 🙂
I think IT is a GREAT/Action photo. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you like it, CaJ. Thanks.