Northern Harrier

Northern Harrier, St. Marks NWR

Northern Harriers [gallery] are, for me, a special treat whenever I see them.  They are easily recognized in flight by the white patch on their rump.  Males are mostly grey and females brown.  They also have a distinctive flight pattern--they fly low to the ground  as they hunt for prey.

Northern Harrier, St. Marks NWR

You are most likely to find them in grasslands, wetlands, and meadows.  I see them most frequently at St. Marks NWR, Viera Wetlands and Merritt Island.  I've seen them frequently flying near the first parking area on Blackpoint Dr. in Merritt Island NWR.  I've also seen them on the Eastern Shore of MD near the Blackwater NWR.   Here are a sampling of my photos of Northern Harriers.

Northern Harrier, Viera Wetlands

Northern Harrier, Viera Wetlands

Northern Harrier, St. Marks NWR

Northern Harrier, St. Marks NWR