I thought twice about posting this shot. I don’t post it for any other reason than it was a beautiful bird, a male Hen Harrier. They pass through the Essex Marshes each spring and autumn; I have seen half a dozen over the last few years, usually well out of range. This year, on two occasions I have had the birds fly by me a few yards away. Since I didn’t see them coming, I now have a few shots of them going away (always the sharpest shots I get of any bird in flight), this one did turn to the right and gave me this shot , the range was 220 yards (measured on Google Earth).
Sorry Robert, I thought I had made my reason for posting this shot clear in the caption, certainly not for its photographic merits but that it’s a rare and beautiful bird.
Bob.
Posted by Marcus Conway on March 25, 2010 at 12:06 PM
And don't they go fast Bob?
Hoping to get some shots this spring. Males are stunning birds
Posted by David Sewell on March 25, 2010 at 3:51 PM
They are tricky - I only have rear views so far. Certainly better than any shot I have of the species.
David
Posted by simon manning on March 25, 2010 at 5:06 PM
There seems to be very little interest here in a bird thats so rare , This enviro shot simply shows the need to preserve areas such as this so that these beautiful birds and other wildlife can survive !
Discussion
11 replies600/F4, ISO 1000, 500@f13, tripod.
Bob
Bob.
Hoping to get some shots this spring. Males are stunning birds
David
Simon
I have never laid eyes on one in the flesh
Phil Newman
Bob.
It's been a Hen Harrier filled week!!!! A stupendous bird and a nice image to bring back the memory of your encounter.
Bob.