I Was Whitewashed!

Last week at a local preserve we watched as two distant Northern Harrier juveniles played at aerial combat, or so it seemed. They coursed around the large preserve but never came close to us. At one point a Cooper's Hawk was also seen divebombing one of the harriers. Eventually, as we stood on the edge of a field, one of the harriers suddenly popped up and flew across the path in front of us. I managed to grab a shot just before he exited my frame, and have added some canvas to the left. From looking at the bird, it appears that this juvie was the victim of an aerial poop attack. I know birds will do that to drive invaders from their nests. I don't know if they do it in play, nor do I know if the bombardier was the other harrier or the Coopers. I have a version where I removed the whitewash, but have left it in this frame.

D500, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 1000, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual.

Really nice downward wing pose. And nice details on the wings as well. I like the look at the eye even though its not the conventional head turn. To me, the bird looks like theres slightly too much clarity or sharpening but see what others say. Funny about the bird poo -- I don't really mind it here but probably good to have a version without it as well. I never noticed the lighter patch they have on their shoulders until now. TFS, wish I could get this close to these guys.

Hey Bill, great details and exposure but the HA isn't working for me :(

I think this is a pretty nice capture Bill. The poop add an interesting element and a bit of a story to this, which is always a bonus I think. Excellent detail and tone on the bird but as noted, head angle not ideal. The only thing I'd revisit on this is that highlight on the rump which is lacking detail at present. I'd still be pretty happy if this was mine.

Thanks for looking, Alex, Arash and Glenn.

Hi Bill, can only echo Arash's thoughts, but a great species to capture.

TFS
Steve

That same HA except revered would have been killer. I shoot a ton of Harriers and I may have mentioned it before, but either buy a varmint call at Bass pro or Cabellas or learn how to make loud squeaking calls from your mouth. As a Harrier approaches, start the squeaking. Works like you wouldn't believe.
I have had them almost fly into the cab of my truck following the noise. They are the most owl like of all the hawks and they use audible noise to locate prey so the squeaks will usually get them to turn your way or at least to look over at you for a nice HA. Let me know if you do it and if you have any success.
Nice details in this one though