One of my most strongly three-dimensional images.
Two days ago, about 40 minutes after I photographed the Bald Eagle in flight I posted yesterday, I witnessed and documented some fascinating behavior (behavior with a twist) involving an apparently mated pair of Northern Harriers in a remote area of northern Utah.
However, for these two reasons today’s post includes only a single image from that behavioral series:
- I still haven’t had time to cull and process the rest of the photos in the series, much less the rest of the photos I took that day.
- I like this image so much I wanted to post it as a ‘loner’, so it wouldn’t get lost in the shuffle of the other mostly documentary-quality photos. I think it deserves standalone status. My plan is to tell the “rest of the story” tomorrow.
1/4000, f/5.6, ISO 125, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is the female of the pair, carrying what could only be described as a less than nourishing meal. It’s fur and part of the hide from some mammal – possibly a vole or other small rodent but it could be from something else larger. Harriers don’t scavenge for food as often as some other raptors but they will scavenge when times are tough, as they are now in northern Utah because of all the snow on the ground. During harsh winters I’ve seen harriers scavenging ducks, coots, fish and even a frozen store-bought chicken (some ethics-deprived photographer’s attempt at baiting).
I really like the photo for a variety of reasons. She’s sharp throughout, her tipped flight posture reveals all of her well-lit and gorgeous dorsal plumage, the potential food in her bill adds interest and the natural habitat in the background floats my boat.
But for me the photo’s most standout feature is its three-dimensional quality. Perception of 3D in photos varies significantly with the viewer and at first I didn’t see it because the photo was underexposed in camera. But as soon as I processed the image its 3D qualities jumped out at me so strongly I almost felt like I could reach out and touch her.
Anyway, that’s how I see the image. Your mileage may, and probably will, vary.
Ron
This is fantastic. Nothing better than seeing wildlife in their own environment.
Hi – I am blind in one eye from birth. My world view is 2D. But this image is kind of a little more than flat. I amost can discern depth. So that means it exagerates what is seen in real life (if that makes sense).
An absolute Beautiful Photo and I
look forward to whats to come🥰
Thank you!!
I’m late to this one, but (partly since it’s a harrier photo :-)) I just had to comment on how beautiful this shot is. I’ve definitely been enjoying your photos of female harriers recently. And I agree with what you are saying about the 3D qualities here.
She’s a stunner! So glad you were able to get back out into the field the other day.
Maybe it is a toupee!!!
Kinda looks like one, but nah…
Beautiful shot!
Thanks, April.
A wonderful image – well done
Thaks, Gary.
I am loving this beautiful photograph – made even more interesting by the unusual morsel she’s carrying! Kudos!
Much appreciated, Joanne.
Magnificent shot!
Thanks, Phoebe.
Even I, who have lacked depth perception since childhood, can see that wonderful 3D effect. What a gorgeous photo — and dare I say awesome Harrier?!? 😉
Can’t wait to see all the other images in coming days ….
Chris, lacking depth perception must be a struggle in so many ways. I imagine you’ve adapted to it but still…
Actually, the only time I really notice/think about it anymore is when I’m trying to read the eye doc’s chart! My car bumpers suffered a lot in my younger years.
Stunning image Ron.
I can’t wait to hear the rest of the story
Thank you, Jorge.
To me the 3D effect is remarkable in that it makes the harrier look so removed from the background that it could be two photos. Kind of like a diorama where the subject is suspended in front of a wall-sized enlargement.
All the layers displayed in the dorsal view are wonderful to see.
“Kind of like a diorama”
I agree, Lyle. That’s part of the reason I like it so much.
That is a beautiful shot Ron. Very 3D and the more you stare at it. It almost looks like you Photoshopped it onto another photo, that of course we know you did not. Really like it and the female Harriers are one of my all-time favorites.
I am curious to know if you have ever seen your Harriers kill and eat a Coot? I have twice seen our one female Harrier at our Willow Lake kill Coots, and once watched her take one away from a Prairie Falcon who had killed it. She is truly a fierce fighter. Also spends time dive bombing the Red-tails who she thinks do not belong in her domain.
Now we will wait in anticipation for the rest of the story.
Thank you, Everett. I’ve seen harriers eat coots but not kill them. However, I know that they do kill them on occasion.
Always a gory sight
This might bee my favorite harrier photo, Ron — it’s superb on so many levels! Behavior, beauty and habitat — this image has it all ☺️
Thanks very much, Christine.
What a gorgeous photo! It looks like all that little scrap might be good for is lining a nest, which may be where it ends up. 🙂
Thanks, Cathy. I suppose lining a nest with it is a possibility but I think it’s too early for that, especially with all the snow we have. Harriers are ground-nesters.
I’ll SAY, 3-D quality ! The crystal -clear Harrier is so enhanced by the contrast of the velvety-soft background…..I especially admire the crisp line of lighting along the leading edge of her right wing. Like Michael, I’m eagerly looking forward to your future posts in this new series…….
Thank you, Kris. I haven’t processed those other photos yet so I can only hope they document the behavior as well as I think they will.
Beautiful! The 3-D effect IS apparant in this VERY sharp photo. Must be a symbolic “gift” as it certainly wouldn’t provide nourishment for the body. 😉
“Ethics-deprived” I like that! 🙂
“Ethics-deprived” I like that”
Judy, thankfully I’m not seeing evidence of baiting at the refuge nearly as often as I used to. Maybe they’re just getting sneakier about it but I actually think the practice is frowned on enough to mostly prevent them from doing it. I believe getting the word out has helped.
Yep, I see it. Can’t wait to see the rest.
Good to know I’m not the only one. Thanks, Michael.
Love the fact you can see the telltale identifying white spot at the top of her tail feathers. Makes identifying these beauties a little easier.