They call them grey ghost for a reason—evasive raptors. the female and juvenile birds are still gorgeous. I’ve seen many harriers at the refuge but for the grey birds I always have been elsewhere
Fascinating photo essay James. I have never seen a Northern Harrier before. That video clip of one shows that near hover capability with next to no wind. Such an interesting raptor that I do hope to see in flight one day. That sharp V wing dihedral reminds me of Turkey Vultures as well. A nice ability to gain lift with such little wind. I imagine one of these Northern Harriers could quite literally fly circles around the Cooper's Hawks I see regularly!
Thank you Neil. They are so fun to watch—that video captured it well. Turkey vultures come up as the nearest comparable dihedral when I read about harriers. The harriers are fast birds and they make it look so effortless, but those Cooper’s Hawks are not slouches either! I hope you get to see one on the wing
Gorgeous photos James!
Thank you Shital!
I always look forward to the Harriers arriving. I never have seen a grey harrier, I always see the brown.
They call them grey ghost for a reason—evasive raptors. the female and juvenile birds are still gorgeous. I’ve seen many harriers at the refuge but for the grey birds I always have been elsewhere
Fabulous James! Beautiful captures! Reading I’m filled with excitement! I must find one now! 😃
Thank you! I hope you see one.
Fascinating photo essay James. I have never seen a Northern Harrier before. That video clip of one shows that near hover capability with next to no wind. Such an interesting raptor that I do hope to see in flight one day. That sharp V wing dihedral reminds me of Turkey Vultures as well. A nice ability to gain lift with such little wind. I imagine one of these Northern Harriers could quite literally fly circles around the Cooper's Hawks I see regularly!
Thank you Neil. They are so fun to watch—that video captured it well. Turkey vultures come up as the nearest comparable dihedral when I read about harriers. The harriers are fast birds and they make it look so effortless, but those Cooper’s Hawks are not slouches either! I hope you get to see one on the wing