Celery Fields Harriers
I went to the Celery Fields in Sarasota, FL this morning. This has been the best place this year to photograph Northern Harriers. The light is great in the morning and the Harriers fly very close to the boardwalk. The boardwalk is also elevated so it gives a great vantage point to look level with the Harrier as it flies low over the grassy marsh.
Northern Harrier coming in looking down for breakfast
The Harrier picked up her head to fly faster over the grassy marsh
Harrier dropping down after spotting something tasty
Look at those long legs stretching out for the catch
A very close flyby that shows a lot of detail
Another close up shot with detail. Look at the little feathers near the beak
Harriers fly low looking for food. They extend their legs and drop down on top of it.
Harrier watching me as she flies past
Making another drop down, this time for a break
Northern Harrier taking a break. You can really see the owl like face
Rest time is over! Time to take flight again
The Harrier is making sure that I’m getting the shot
Northern Harrier giving a side eye look as she flies past
There’s something about the light on this as the Harrier flies very low
Northern Harrier still on the hunt
Another close flyby
Northern Harrier flying deep in the tall grass
During a quick turn and dive, all of the Harrier’s feathers spread out for maximum control
Continuation of the dive
The Northern Harrier flew straight at me very low in the grass
There was a small window where the Harrier’s face was not blocked by grass in front of it
Not a Harrier. A Grackle flew overhead with a bagel it found. The other Grackle was trying to steal it
Back to the Harrier.
Another eye contact moment with the Northern Harrier
Northern Harrier slowing down for a better look at what’s in the grass below
Northern Harrier showing her long legs as she prepares to catch breakfast
That was a great day capturing Northern Harrier’s in action! This was only a small sample of what I captured today. Most places the Harrier’s are far out and don’t give as many opportunities for close up, detailed action shots. The Celery Fields give a fantastic opportunity for this.