Female Northern Harrier " Looking for a Prey Item with no Luck"

[James Salywoda]

Northern Harrier
Southern California

At least not during this encounter I remember seeing this bird in the distant and some close flybys the wrong way as it worked the wetlands for several hours looking for food. It can be challenging for birds of prey at times to find a meal as they work hard to find something. What I liked about this shot was the habitat helped anchor the scene as this Harrier was hunting.

Nikon D300s AFS 600 F4 1.4 TC
1/1600 F7.1 ISO 800

Thanks For Looking

Jim

[Katie Rupp]

Another beauty, Jim. I really like the "painterly" look to this one.

[Layton E Parham]

Nice and sharp. I chased a male Harrier around this morning. Could not get a good shot.

[Arthur Morris]

Great job with EXP and sharpness in the soft light. And a powerful looking pose to boot.

[Pieter de Waal]

Fantastic Harrier image James. I agree with you re the habitat, perfect for Harrier behaviour. Great exposure, wing position, and composition. The eye stare and HA showing a bird intent on going about its business.

You must spend hours in the field to get the shots we have seen from you, do you operate from a blind?

[James Salywoda]

You must spend hours in the field to get the shots we have seen from you, do you operate from a blind?

Blinds aren't necessary the most important thing is to have a good understanding of were
to find the areas that the birds like to be at. I have years of experience and knowledge of my favorite shooting places. Thanks again to everyone for their comments. :)

[Doug Brown]

The included habitat and sharp details make this image Jim.

[Greg Basco]

Hi, James. Can't add much to what's already been written. Nice job, and yes, to me the habitat definitely takes the interest factor up for this image. Good thinking to include it.

Cheers,
Greg Basco

[Stu Bowie]

Lovely soft light, and I like the flying posture and sharpness. The foliage certainly does add to the image.

[Pieter de Waal]

Thanks for the reply James, appreciate you taking the time.:)