We've got a pair of Northern Harriers that scour the plains (onion fields) that surround the old mans shop and so on a day off a visit was in order. It was quite breezy today, so I figured the Harriers would be out, unfortunately after a few hours in wait for one to show up not one had...until, of course, as I was driving out. These are heavily cropped, so please don't mind the IQ...
kluckie wrote:
I have to agree with Anthony, rough legged hawk. This is not a Harrier. And I am sure.
Keith Luckie
Ah, now that I have done some research I must apologize to Anthony. Dark brown belt and shape of the head/eye clear things up...though I was always under the impression that the Rough legged had more of a buteo body (specifically wide fanned tail) shape.
Now I need to go back out and tag one of those Harriers to redeem myself.
Well I wasn't going to argue.......... Since you were sure........ But I was sure too
If you go back please go for some good / great shots of the rough legged !! They are a spectacular hawk and much less common than the Northern Harrier from my experience. But your mileage may vary depending on geographic region.
, sorry about that, until that shot I have not seen a RLH in my experience (though I may have had them confused with a female/imm. harrier at a distance). It wasn't until the old man moved his shop to his new location that I spotted my first Harrier as well. The Harriers are constantly hovering around out there (and yes this time I'm sure they are Harriers--male is gray ). Anyhow, I am planning on heading back out sometime today, so hopefully with some luck. Thanks again.
, and thank you.
