I’m continuing today’s blog post from my New Year’s Eve trip to the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma. You can read the earlier posts here: A New Year’s Eve at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, A Remarkable Encounter: White-tailed Buck and Eastern Phoebe and Continuing My New Year’s Eve at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
Northern Harrier: A Graceful Winter Resident
The Northern Harrier is a medium-sized raptor known for its low, gliding flight over open landscapes. These birds are notable winter residents at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where they soar over the prairie in search of prey like small mammals and birds. Their presence is one of the first signs of winter at the preserve.
I managed to capture some photos of a Northern Harrier in flight, despite the challenging conditions with clouds and high winds. Watching their graceful movements as they skimmed low over the grasslands was mesmerizing. Although I didn’t get many shots, I’m pleased with the ones I did capture.
Rough-legged Hawk: A First-time Encounter
This trip marked my first-ever sighting of a Rough-legged Hawk, making it a “lifer” for me. Seeing and photographing this bird was an unexpected bonus that added to the excitement of the day.
About the Rough-legged Hawk
- Habitat: In winter, Rough-legged Hawks prefer open landscapes such as grasslands, marshes, and prairies. At the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, they are often seen perched on poles or soaring over the prairie in search of small mammals.
- Appearance: These medium-sized raptors are distinctive for their dark patches at the bend of their wings and streaked undersides.
- Behavior: In Oklahoma, Rough-legged Hawks primarily feed on small mammals like voles and mice. They migrate south from their Arctic breeding grounds, making their presence at the preserve seasonal.
Photographing this hawk felt particularly special because of its rarity in my own observations. I was fortunate to observe it perched on a fence post before it took flight, offering me a rare opportunity to capture its beauty both stationary and in motion.
Red-tailed Hawk: A Familiar Yet Thrilling Sight
The Red-tailed Hawk is a common sight at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, especially during the fall and winter months. The preserve’s mix of tall grasses, open spaces, and wooded areas creates excellent hunting grounds for these birds of prey, which feed on small mammals and reptiles.
I didn’t manage to photograph a Red-tailed Hawk in flight, but I was able to capture a perched individual. These hawks are always thrilling to see, even if they are more familiar compared to some of the other raptors present.
Reflections on a Challenging but Rewarding Day
Photographing raptors in flight can be a challenge, especially with cloudy skies and high winds. While I didn’t come away with a large number of photos, I’m happy with the moments I was able to document. Each of these birds added a unique layer to my New Year’s Eve experience at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
This outing not only reinforced my appreciation for the diversity of wildlife at the preserve but also reminded me of the patience and persistence required in wildlife photography. Whether it’s a “lifer” like the Rough-legged Hawk or a more common species like the Red-tailed Hawk, every sighting is a gift worth cherishing.