Northern Harrier-Grey Ghost

[David Salem]

Captured this a few months ago at a local wildlife refuge. We see Harriers in moderate numbers here, but as most of you that chase these raptors know, its about a 10 to1 female to male ratio.
This is probably a second or third year male and not yet a full blown grey ghost. Wish he had dipped his left wing a bit more but Ill take what he gave me.

1DMKIV---700mm---f5.6---ss1/3200---ISO640---HH@3:45pm---30% crop

Thanks as always for looking and for your input

David

[Karl Egressy]

A truly beautiful flight image, David. The bottom colour of the background is nicely complimenting the bird.

[Randy Stout]

David:

I like the soft BG with just enough definition to add a sense of depth, details of the far wing and tail.

Agree about the near wing, still enjoy the photo.

Thanks for the tidbit about the imbalance in females:males.

Cheers

Randy

[shane shacaluga]

Wonderful photograph. Love the look on its face

I currently have an amazing looking male marsh harrier in my area and trying to capture something similar.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

David:

Nice exposure on this guy with such a light background. Congrats on getting one of the few males, too. The sliver of earth tones on the bottom give it that extra dimension!

Not much you can do about the wing position in this one. Still lovely. Any chance you fired some more off?

Miguel

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Excellent image, David. I see your point about the left wing, but no biggie for me. I too would take this any day.
I like the bg a lot and your bird is beautiful and sharp.

[dankearl]

I would be thrilled with this, seeing how I have never come close to one.
Wing looks fine to be and he is not looking down, which they do 90% of the time.
Very nice.

[Raymond Lee]

Great shot! The pale male harrier is quite skittish and outnumbered by the females here, and I hope to capture something as good as this some day!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi David, Im fine with the flight pose, and we can certainly see lots of detail on the far wing. Great view of the head and eye, and yes, the BG colours complement the bird nicely. Congrats on capturing the minority ( male ) There again, Im sure you would have pressed the shutter with whatever flew into your viewfinder.

[David Salem]

Thanks everyone for the input. Appreciate it.
Yes Miguel, I did get a few more keepers from this fly by. . One really cool high key image. I will post them soon.
Thanks

[Satish Ranadive]

David:
Everything has been said about this wonderful flight pose of handsome bird.
Love the colors,details and lovely BG. Nice composition too.

Regards,
Satish.