Just a single image this morning.
Normally I can never get close to a harrier perched in a tree but this one made an exception for me.
1/800, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
As I approached this juvenile male (solid rufous breast, light iris) on a cold morning, the rising sun was still behind the mountains so it felt secure in the shade as I positioned my pickup for the best angle I could get. When the sunlight finally hit the bird he was determined to soak in the warmth (rather than fly off) so he spread his tail, fluffed up and posed for me for several minutes. The light was directional but I liked its effect. I’ve added no saturation to the image.
Ron
I agree with, Julia, Ron. A breath-taking image. I have mentioned before that the Northern Harrier is my nemesis bird. Seen them in distance, but never close to get a photo. Some day….
I will just be satisfied with looking at yours. 🙂
This beautiful bird, and the light look like a bronze sculpture. And one I would be happy to make room for in the crowded Elephant home.
This is an amazing bird, part owl part hawk. I love to watch them hunt. Thank you for the beautiful image..
Wow. Portrait is the right word. It’s as if the bird were sitting in a photography studio, posing for a very important picture. Nice!
Thanks Dick, if it was a photo studio they must have forgotten to pay their gas bill cause it sure was cold!
Beautiful pose and plumage. Beautiful portrait!
Thank you, Mike.
Such an incredible image… it leaves me breathless. As if I can feel the sun on me too… in how the light and his expression is caught by the warmth. You are amazingly talented! Thank you! A friend shared with me your blog, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate seeing your photos and posts. (My favorite so far has been your kestrel photos. 🙂
Thanks Julia. I’m delighted that you’re enjoying the blog.
What a treat! I’ve only seen them close enough in the wild once to see the decidedly owl-shaped face. Wonderful. =) Good planning!
biobabbler – yes, that facial disc is a treat to get a good look at. I got an even better look at one this morning.
Very nice shot! You’re amazing.
YTQ, I’m persistent at getting the shot but it’s the bird that’s amazing. 🙂
Magnificent! I can feel the sun on him and the chill in the air.
Sharon, I enjoyed the warmth of the sun as much as the harrier did, I’m sure. It was very cold and of course I’d turned the engine off so as to not spook the bird so I couldn’t run the heater. It was worth it though…