Early this year, it seemed that fewer Northern harriers than usual were hunting in the fields of the Mercer Meadows Pole Farm. I’m happy to report that as fall is in full swing, the harriers are back and reliably on view most days.
This morning, for example, one of the harriers was parked on a birdhouse as I made my way up the central path. I took a few shots through the grasses and moved closer to take a few more.
At that distance, the bird was giving me some serious side-eye.
As I stepped forward, the bird flew off, turning her white rump to me, as you can see from the shot topping this post.
After I walked through the woods and re-emerged onto the central path on my way to my car, I watched two harriers circling and darting around each other. They were too far off for me to get a decent photo, so I simply watched and enjoyed the aerial acrobatics.
One of the aspects of Mercer Meadows I love is the variety of birds: from warblers and songbirds to raptors like the harriers and hawks.
I walked the Reed-Bryan Farm side of the park Tuesday, and a red-tailed hawk was perched on one of the climbing rungs high up on the last remaining antenna pole from the decades when the land was dotted with hundreds of them for AT&T radio telephone transmissions.
Another highlight from this morning was getting to see the moon over the meadows. I took a few photos at the Pole Farm and Reed-Bryan sides of the park. While continuing to hope that our stretch of wonderful autumn days continues, I’ll close with one of those moon shots. 🦅
Northern Harriers are one of my favorites. Your photo of Mrs. Harrier on the bird house is stellar!
Thanks, Sam
Wonderful write-up Dan! That’s great a few Harriers have returned. Hopefully the Grey Ghost will return as well.
I am on alert for Mr. Ghost!