Despite the snow on the ground and some rather chilly temperatures, I couldn’t resist the bright blue skies that greeted me on arising this morning. So, after taking Skye for his morning walk I headed out for Nisqually Wildlife refuge.
While visiting friends in the visitors center, I noticed a Northern Harrier swoop across the pond right in front of the visitors center. I excused myself, and headed out to see if I could get some shots as it swooped over the pond repeatedly. But naturally, it wasn’t to be.
In fact, I was all the way to the old Ring-dike trail when something swept over my left shoulder, temporarily blocking the sun. I wasn’t fast enough to get my first shots focused, or it was so close that my 400mm lens couldn’t focus that closely.
So, I had to settle for this shot
and this shot
of a female Northern Harrier.
I’m beginning to wonder if this isn’t going to be the year of the hawk.
Brilliant photography as usual, Loren. When you look at that bottom shot you see what marvellous camouflage really is – that hawk on the ground wold barely be seen. Lovely stuff. My friend, Glennis, is captivated by your work and has , I understand, communicated with you. You see – your fame spreads far and wide!
pt nailed it with the comment on color, i was amazed at the blend. kjm/great with late snow as well
Nice, nice. I remember a hawk I used to see at a favorite park. One day, he was perched in a tree and after I’d watched long enough that it didn’t matter if I spooked him, I approached until I was nearly under it. The hawk didn’t move for a good while, but eventually I did (not wanting to be in his target (dumping) area. Oh, my.
Oh yeah, you settled. Wish I had half as good — I’d feel brilliant. Wonderful, great shots.