A few recent birds: These are a few shots from my first outing after getting back in Montana for the summer. My wife and I had noticed a ton of Western Tanagers on the east side of...

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

These are a few shots from my first outing after getting back in Montana for the summer.

My wife and I had noticed a ton of Western Tanagers on the east side of Ennis Lake and I went back looking for some photo opportunities. On the way, I noticed this perched Osprey getting harassed by a pair of Harris Hawks so decided to hang around a bit to watch the action. Although I was not pleased with the results of the two hawks dive bombing the Osprey, his/her reactions to the diving hawks was entertaining. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to catch a male Harris hawk I suspect in breeding plumage. I always thought this lighter version was the female, but after some research confirmed this to be a male.

And, the Tanagers did not disappoint all dressed up in their breeding plumage. It was on overcast/rainy day, but still bright. Love the light on the Tanagers.

Hope you enjoy. Constructive comments are always appreciated.

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dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Beautiful photographs.

Dennis

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

An excellent set, Frank! Enjoy Montana.

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Nalu wrote:

These are a few shots from my first outing after g... (show quote)

Good set.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Well Nalu, I think you have overdone yourself with this set. But I think you have mis-identified the Hawk! I'm almost certain that it's a Male Northern Harrier, possibly a juvenile. And the best photo I've ever seen of one!!
I could be wrong, but definitely not a Harris Hawk.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Wonderful set.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Outstanding. The Tanagers are spectacular.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Retired CPO wrote:

Well Nalu, I think you have overdone yourself with this set. But I think you have mis-identified the Hawk! I'm almost certain that it's a Male Northern Harrier, possibly a juvenile. And the best photo I've ever seen of one!!
I could be wrong, but definitely not a Harris Hawk.

You are definitely correct on the ID of the hawk. Yes, male, (pics of juvies don’t seem to jive). He was hanging with a female and perhaps they have a nest in the area. Brain dead on my incorrect id on the hawk. It’s quite a crop on the hawk shots and hence not real sharp. But, I’ll take the experience. Thanks for the comments and catching the error.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Nalu wrote:

You are definitely correct on the ID of the hawk. Yes, male, (pics of juvies don’t seem to jive). He was hanging with a female and perhaps they have a nest in the area. Brain dead on my incorrect id on the hawk. It’s quite a crop on the hawk shots and hence not real sharp. But, I’ll take the experience. Thanks for the comments and catching the error.

Again, VERY nice photo of a Male Harrier. After some chasing I have finally got some nice shots of a Female. A good shot of a Male is still on my bucket list!

Barn Owl

Nalu, Your 1st Summer Tanager male wins the award with me. Thanks for your post.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Barn Owl wrote:

Nalu, Your 1st Summer Tanager male wins the award with me. Thanks for your post.

My favorite is the last one, but both are nice. Different poses, different perspectives. The last one shows the impact of the rain on the males feathers. Each to their own, just depends on your taste. Thanks for looking.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nalu wrote:

These are a few shots from my first outing after g... (show quote)

Beautiful images.

hettmoe Loc: Rural ND

Very nice!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Very pretty shots

HRBIEL Loc: Rapid City, SD

Great set of photos! But the Osprey on the fence post really stands out for me. The harrier in flight is a really difficult bird to photograph because it’s always moving.