Northern Harrier

Description:

An exciting day at the refuge when this harrier hen decided to hunt in a perfect location for my camera. All shots were made from my vehicle. Harriers are precision hunters and hunt by ear as much as they do by sight. They hunt quite often, low to the ground.

Habitat:

Mostly grasslands and fields where they spot voles and mice, as well as other small birds.

Notes:

I've seen harriers stop and turn on a dime, in mid-air, diving down on prey. Amazing to watch!