Often seen in open grasslands, this raptor, the Northern Harrier, is a local but a very evasive one.
Catching a glimpse of one is difficult enough, but getting a photograph, and especially a closeup, is uncommon; and catching one in flight a true challenge.
This is the male who while in flight has a more ghostly white appearance with a face resembling an owl although they’re not related. The female is a darker brown with more pronounced owl-like features and is somewhat larger.
Keep an eye out for them in grasslands, marshes, or fields in our area, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed in watching their acrobatics as they glide, tip and swirl, hunting for their prey: small mammals, small birds, rabbits and ducks.
If you know of a great spot to photograph them, let me know in the comments…please! 😁
I’d never heard of the Northern Harrier. So interesting!
Oh, they’re amazing birds, and even more amazing to watch as they hunt. Here’s a link to more information about them: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/
Another person who has never heard of the Northern Harrier! He’s very regal looking.
Yes, they’re regal indeed, but their diet is not do appealing at least to humans. Often you can see them in open fields searching for mice or other rodents, which I’m sure is a mainstay for them. If you’re interested, here’s a link to more in-depth info about them: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/