Marsh Hawk

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

Female Northern Harrier in Flight

and this shot

Female Northern Harrier in Flight

of a female Northern Harrier.

I’m beginning to wonder if this isn’t going to be the year of the hawk.

4 thoughts on “Marsh Hawk”

  1. 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!

  2. pt nailed it with the comment on color, i was amazed at the blend. kjm/great with late snow as well

  3. 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.

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