Northern Harrier

[Henry Domke]

This Northern Harrier is driving me crazy. For the last couple of weeks I've been seeing it fly low over the prairie grasses around sunrise and sunset every day. When I try to get close to photograph him he slowly drifts away from me. Yesterday after I had given up and was walking home I saw a hawk soaring like a Red-tail above me. I wasn't sure it was but I took a few shots. Only when I opened the files later did I realize it was the Northern Harrier.

Unfortunately, even with a 2X TC the bird is still fairly small in the frame.
Any suggestions on how to get closer or how to improve the photograph would be welcome.

Canon 1DX
600 II+2X TC
f/10
1/2,000 sec
ISO 1,250
Manual Exposure
Hand Held
Processed with Lightroom 5 & Photoshop CC

[douglas hayes]

Getting closer would involve either luck or a large time commitment. Best time to get close is either being in a migration flyway or when setting territory and mating. I have attempted many times from my truck window and hiding in draws that they cruise through. However they are almost constantly shifting with wind and are very cagey when they sense people presence. I have come close numerous times and have always done something wrong-grass in the way, unable to focus properly, had the wrong lens on, or of course the light available is constantly changing. Occasionally I have found a Harrier that is seemingly oblivious to my presence and have a number of good behavioral images, however i have still been unable to capture the stunning image so I am holding out the lucky lady giving me a chance. A nemesis hawk for me. Good luck

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the under-wing details. good exposure. It's a bit soft and noisy though (BG and the her left under wing).

In order to make a good photo of a harrier you need to be level with it, they usually fly in circles over a large area, observer their flight path carefully then place yourself where you can get them against a nice BG and wait... it doesn't work all the time but when it does results will be great.

harriers also respond to calls but that doesn't make it much easier as they only respond once or twice before they figure it's fake and ignore it

[Daniel Cadieux]

A neat look at the underwing and tail patterns here. This species is tough to get close to, so I get your frustration! I've always wanted to try an owl decoy on them...

[Mike Delgado]

I like the perspective that you shot him at, the underside reveals lots of patterns & colors, is a bit soft and noise. I also get your frustration as I've been chasing them for 1 year and still not happy with my images.

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent shot with very nice under wing patterns. Rest is mentioned above.

Regards,
Satish.

[BobbyPerkins]

"Any suggestions on how to get closer or how to improve the photograph would be welcome."

As Arash stated well,
"observe their flight path carefully then place yourself where you can get them against a nice BG and wait."


As you said you been watching the last couple weeks, so you should have a good idea.

Another helpful method to add to Arash's advice is to get out there and be ready before he is, just prior to sunrise or sunset. Flight patterns and timing are important factors, raptors usually hunt like clockwork.
Good Luck.