I photographed this Juvenile Northern Harrier after it made the American Kestrel (American Kestrel With Wings Spread) I posted about leave its perch. The American Kestrel came back and made this Northern Harrier leave the perch. This all took place within seconds. I had little time to get photos of the Harrier.

To get this photograph, I had to raise my camera and lens off of the bean bag I had draped over the window of my pickup. This was because of the brush I had in front of me. I used the upper door frame to hold my camera steady.

Juvenile Northern Harrier

Juvenile Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)

The Northern Harrier, also known as the Marsh Hawk, is a distinctive bird of prey known for its distinct flight pattern and appearance. The juvenile Northern Harrier is a rare sight, as it has a different appearance from its adult counterpart, making it a unique and fascinating subject for photographers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Appearance:
Juvenile Northern Harriers have a brown plumage with a streaked belly and underwings. Their wingspan is approximately 40 inches, and they have a long, slender tail. Unlike adult Northern Harriers, the juveniles lack the signature white rump patch, making them easier to distinguish from other species of birds of prey.

Habitat:
Juvenile Northern Harriers are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, fields, and meadows. They are migratory birds, and they can be seen throughout North America during the winter months.

Diet:
Juvenile Northern Harriers feed on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and rabbits, as well as birds, reptiles, and insects. They hunt by flying low over the ground, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance.

Behavior:
Juvenile Northern Harriers are solitary birds, and they are known for their distinctive flight pattern, which is characterized by their slow, floating flight and frequent hovering. They use their keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance, and they are known for their agility and ability to change direction quickly in flight.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R7
  • Lens: RF 800mm F11 IS STM

Technical:

  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
  • Date and Time Taken: December 31, 2022 (8:48 A. M.)
  • Exposure Mode: Manual
  • Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
  • Shutter speed: 1/250
  • ISO: 2000 (Auto)
  • Exposure Compensation: +1/3 EV
  • Focal Length: 800 mm (Fixed)