hawk (harrier, I think?)

[nwyman]

While driving down the dirt road in the refuge today, I noticed what I thought to be a lump of wood sitting by one of the fields. Took a look with binoculars, and saw this.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/1525344160_bb3f1dafc6_o.jpg

and this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/1525345488_6f6d606de5_o.jpg

contact having been made, he decided to leave, startling the neighbor.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/1524481307_f5dc5f1741_o.jpg

On the other hand, the neighbor might have been breakfast, I'm not sure!

[canonloader]

Looks like a female Harrier Hawk. The males are more gray. I've never seen on on the ground before, except when picking up a rodent. :)

[Paul A]

Most definitely a harrier, tough to get that close. I belive they eat their prey on the ground. Nice shots.

[nwyman]

Most definitely a harrier, tough to get that close. I belive they eat their prey on the ground. Nice shots.


Thanks Paul! I wasn't all that close - the bird was a field away! I honestly didn't think the shots would come out, and was very happy that a bit of tinkering with DPP produced what you see.:lol:

[davewalters]

Hi - it's a Northern Harrier.

[Reyno]

NIce takes of the Northern Harrier Nancy.

[Lyall]

I've been watching a family of harriers nearby, and they do tend to eat their prey while sitting on the ground. (also seen them using a bale of hay as a dining table) She was probably thinking it was time for dessert. :)

[bromm]

Nice capture, they are quite comfortable on the ground as they are ground nesters. I still dont have a good pic of one of these.