I caught this juvenile Northern Harrier in action right after it pushed the American Kestrel (the same kestrel I posted about earlier) off its perch. Not long after, the kestrel returned and made the harrier leave. All of this took just seconds, giving me barely any time to capture the shots.
To get these photos, I had to lift my camera and lens off the bean bag draped over my truck window—the brush in front of me was too tall. Instead, I braced my camera using the upper door frame to keep it steady.
The Northern Harrier, sometimes called the Marsh Hawk, is well known for its distinct flight pattern and unique look. Photographing a juvenile harrier is a treat because they look different from the adults, making them an interesting subject for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.
Juvenile Northern Harrier Overview
- Appearance: Juvenile Northern Harriers have brown plumage with streaked bellies and underwings. They have a wingspan of about 40 inches and a long, slender tail. Unlike adults, juveniles lack the white rump patch, making it easier to distinguish them from other birds of prey.
- Habitat: They live in a range of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, fields, and meadows. They migrate across North America and are often spotted during winter.
- Diet: Juvenile harriers eat small mammals like mice, voles, and rabbits, along with birds, reptiles, and insects. They hunt low to the ground, using their sharp vision to spot prey.
- Behavior: These birds are solitary, and their flight is marked by slow, floating movements with frequent hovering. Their agility in flight helps them quickly change direction as they hunt.
Gear Used
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM
Technical Details
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date and Time: December 31, 2022, at 8:48 AM
- Aperture: f/11 (Fixed)
- Shutter Speed: 1/250
- ISO: 2000 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1/3
- Focal Length: 800mm (Fixed)
Capturing moments like this, where two raptors interact so dramatically, is what makes wildlife photography exciting. The challenge lies in being ready to adapt—like lifting the camera off the bean bag when the situation demands it. Moments are fleeting, but sometimes everything lines up just right.