A flight posture I rarely get with a raptor in flight, especially when the raptor is a ‘Gray Ghost’.
I haven’t posted these photos in the past because I thought the harrier was too small in the frame, especially with a homogenous sky background. But yesterday when I stumbled upon them again I realized that they were sharp enough to withstand a little more cropping than I normally feel comfortable with.
They were taken at Farmington Bay WMA five years ago yesterday.
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The process of banking in flight typically involves a sudden change of both speed and direction which makes it unusually difficult for the photographer to keep focus points locked on the bird and keep it completely in frame. Most often when I try to photograph a banking raptor the bird is either soft or I’ve clipped or cut off body parts. Or both. But with this short series I managed to keep my focus points on the bird and the bird in the center of the frame.
As a bonus the harrier looked back at me providing an excellent look at his bright yellow eye.
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The second and last photo in the short series is very similar to the first one. The only significant difference between the two is that the left wing is extended a little further out in this last shot.
Yes, I could wish I’d been closer and had a more interesting background. But it’s an elusive ‘Gray Ghost’ in an even more elusive flight posture and both photos are sharp and have excellent eye contact.
So I’m trying to avoid being greedy.
Ron
A beautiful banking shot! Thank you for your always interesting postings. You have added birds as a fascination to my life. Thank you, Ron
Beautiful photos. Couldn’t ask for a better positioning.
Thanks very much, Bill.
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. I’m totally mesmerized by that gaze (and glad I’m not a small rodent!).
My foggy brain read “Barking” instead of “Banking” originally, so you can imagine my consternation as I clicked on the link from your email. 🤣
Big smile here, Marty. Now that’s something that would get my attention – a barking harrier!
Gorgeous. And I love how that gaze just holds you.
Thank you, Arwen.
I’m amazed that you actually photographed him above the Phragmites. It must have been a lot shorter 5 years ago.😉
Lyle, despite their typical hunting technique they actually do gain some elevation at times.
Such a spectacular raptor—and I do love these photos! I’ve seen Harriers on occasion near my home, slowly cruising, hunting for critters in the vacant land that sits between our (little) airport and the 101 freeway. Always hard to believe it, but their facial disks and that white band are so obvious … such a thrill! Glad you posted these, Ron.
Thanks, Chris. That white rump is probably their most distinctive field mark.
There seem to be more so far this fall. Hope the food supply lasts so they will stay.
I am happy this missed out on the delete button!
I agree April. I think I’ve been seeing a few more harriers too, after several years of apparent decline.
How glorious. I would love to get lost in your archives – which is my greedy self talking. I do when all said and done get my daily fix of awe and wonder here already.
Thanks, EC. There may still be a few undiscovered gems in my archives but these days I suspect they’re few and far between.
I doubt that. I really, really doubt that.
I second that doubt! 😉
Another jem from your treasure chest 😁
We have them but have yet to ever see one.
Thanks, Diana. Keep your eyes peeled…
Beautiful! He REALLY cooperated! HA! Luv it…..😀 The only way I get a good look is if they are more or less hovering over a field.
Judy, it’s been so long I can’t remember the details of these shots but he had most likely been hovering too. I just happened to catch him above the horizon during a moderate bank.
Breathtaking photos, Ron. I have never seen a Northern Harrier in the wild. They are not common in my area so I get my “fix” from your stunning photos. Thank you!
I’m sorry you don’t get to see them, Melanie. They’re spectacular flyers when they’re hunting.
Excellent photos Ron. They are beautiful birds for sure and not easy to catch in flight due to their constant turning, diving, and soaring at high speeds. Right now we have our long time female joined by either another female or a juvenile. I have yet to see an adult male here, but always hoping.
Thanks, Everett. The adult males seem to be fairly common around here. Saw another one yesterday morning but no photos.