I watched a hovering Northern Harrier hunt over a small field in Oklahoma. The bird held its position above the grass while searching the ground below.
A few days earlier, I photographed a Female Northern Harrier In Flight. This time, I captured the same bird using a different hunting technique.
Watching a Northern Harrier Hover and Hunt
I found this female north of Lower Scarborough at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. She worked above a small field, where she hovered while looking for prey.
Northern Harriers usually hunt low over open ground. Their flight often looks slow and controlled as they search the grass below.
This bird sometimes paused above one area and held her position in the air. Quick wing movements helped her remain in place before she continued across the field.
Northern Harriers use both sight and hearing while hunting. Their owl-like facial shape helps direct sound toward their ears. This ability can help them locate small mammals moving through thick grass.
Watching the bird hover gave me a different view of its hunting behavior. Instead of quickly passing through the frame, she remained in one area long enough for me to follow her movements.
Photographing the Harrier From My Pickup
I photographed the hovering Northern Harrier from inside my pickup. I parked along the road and used the truck as a blind.
This approach gave me a steady position while keeping some distance from the bird. She continued hunting without showing any obvious reaction to me.
I made the photograph at 10:22 a.m. on March 4, 2023. The fast shutter speed helped freeze the movement of her wings.
Camera and settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM
- Exposure mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/11
- Shutter speed: 1/3200 second
- ISO: 2000, Auto
- Focal length: 800mm
The long lens provided enough reach from the roadside. It also helped me keep the bird large in the frame while she hovered over the field.
A Memorable Northern Harrier Encounter
Seeing a Northern Harrier hover while hunting made this encounter stand out. Her controlled movements showed how well she could adjust to the wind while watching the ground.
Moments like this are one reason I enjoy spending time at the refuge. I never know what behavior I may get to observe and photograph.