Steve F Loc: Draper, Utah

After spending two hours on a cold morning watching for birds at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (BRMBR) in Northern Utah and not seeing much, we came across about 8 female northern harrier hawks hunting for food and got some nice flight shots. Two were taking turns feeding on a dead American coot, while the others appeared to be hunting for voles. In the same area, we also found a pair of bald eagles sitting on the ice and snow, several great blue herons a rough-legged hawk and too many gulls to count. Patience often pays off. Here’s a few photos of the harriers:

Harrier over marsh grass and Bear River ponds

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Gliding while hunting for breakfast

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Left banks turn over road shoulder

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Invasive phragmites below harbor voles and other critters

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Sailing just above the marsh grasses looking for food

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Hawk-eye watching for anything that moves before a sudden steep dive for a meal

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photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Well taken, Steve.

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Good to get a report on Bear River MBR and terrific photos too. Been thinking about heading up that way now that duck season is over...think I will wait for a little thaw!!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Wow! Really nice photos.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Excellent

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Very sharp and beautiful. They look a little over processed.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Those are sure some magnificent captures Congratulations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Steve F Loc: Draper, Utah

Thanks, glad you enjoyed them.

Steve F Loc: Draper, Utah

Thanks. I took these about two weeks ago, when there was little snow and not as cold or windy as today. Good idea to wait for a bit of a thaw. BRMBR is a great place to go on a NICE winter day.

Steve F Loc: Draper, Utah

Thanks! Glad you like them.

Steve F Loc: Draper, Utah

Thanks for looking and commenting.

Steve F Loc: Draper, Utah

Jeff, Thanks for the feedback. I did quite a bit of sharpening and then sharpened more in Topaz Denoise. I'm afraid that the added contrast does make them look a bit over-processed. Saturation is zero or near zero on all of them (one was +4 saturation and +19 on vibrance), but I used a lot of sharpening and texture. I actually wondered if I was making them look over processed, so I appreciate the feedback.

Steve F Loc: Draper, Utah

Joe, Thanks for the generous comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos.