The Hunter

[Hillbillygirl]

Or should I say Huntress.
Started out to do some architectural shots with new lenses, but lighting was terrible, plus cold, damp, and windy. So off to find some birds to shoot. These were all shot from car, out the window.
Female Harrier doing low level passes over field. These are very challenging, as they skim just a couple feet above vegetation while hunting, and hard to get a quick clear shot.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/HobbyHorseHollow/A21P7184.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/HobbyHorseHollow/A21P7182.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y124/HobbyHorseHollow/A21P7185.jpg

[Mad Aussie]

How cool is that!!!! :)

[Hillbillygirl]

Thanks MA. I am surprised these shots actually came out as well as they did. The air was saturated with moisture and very hazy. These were all taken from a distance of approx. 150-200 yards away.

[Iguanasan]

That second one is very cool and I like the last one as well except for that stray bit. Nicely done and at ISO2000. Those new toys are treating you well.

[casil403]

Sweet! I have never seen a harrier in real time...hopefully someday though.

[Hillbillygirl]

Thanks Iggy and Casil.
If you want Harriers, this is the place to be. Counted at least 30+ this day, and even got a distant shot of the smaller, and much more elusive, "Grey Ghost", or aka, Male Harrier.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5306797504_65347b73c0_z.jpg

[Marko]

sweet catches HBG

[Mad Aussie]

Good shooting with a 600mm.

[Hillbillygirl]

Thanks Marko, and MA. Needed 600mm just to get close enough, but the air quality made it difficult to get a good shot. Hopefully it gets a little colder and clearer soon.