Northern Harrier - Hawk

Description:

The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) or Northern Harrier (in the Americas) is a bird of prey. The Hen Harrier is 41–52 cm (16–20 in)[3] long with a 97–122 cm (38–48 in) wingspan.[4][5] It resembles other harriers in having distinct male and female plumages. The sexes also differ in weight, with males weighing 290 to 400 g (10 to 14 oz), with an average of 350 g (12 oz), and females weighing 390 to 750 g (14 to 26 oz), with an average of 530 g (19 oz)

Habitat:

This medium-sized raptor breeds on moorland, bogs, prairies, farmland coastal prairies, marshes, grasslands, swamps and other assorted open areas.[7] The nest is built on the ground or on a mound of dirt or vegetation. Nests are made of sticks and are lined inside with grass and leaves. Four to eight (exceptionally 2 to 10) whitish eggs are laid.[2][7] The eggs measure approximately 47 mm × 36 mm (1.9 in × 1.4 in).[8] These are the only hawk-like bird known to practice polygyny – one male mates with several females.

Notes:

This lovely was spotted while soaring in the air with a second Northern Harrier - watched them for a while as they went off into the distance. I had to actually remind myself to take a few photos, it was very surprising for me to see them.