When it comes to bird photography, each of us has a bird or two categorized in our own minds as a nemesis species. These are birds which, seemingly easy for some, throw us a curveball each time we attempt to get a decent image of while out in the field.
The northern harrier is my nemesis bird. I rarely get opportunities to photograph them despite this medium-sized raptor being very common in northern Utah. They seem to always know when I am reaching for my camera and consciously decide to turn and fly just out of range as a result.
A couple days ago, while searching for the famed brown pelican which has recently shown up on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, I came across a female northern harrier perched on a fence post.
She was sitting just off the side of Forest Street, the 12-mile road which leads to the refuge auto tour route. I routinely see harriers along Forest street but they never sit for me. This one did, however, for some unknown reason.
I turned my car around and slowly approached the brown raptor with my camera at the ready.
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I was able to get a couple good shots but wanted to get a slightly better angle in hopes of getting a clear view with no ryegrass in front of the bird.
I slowly inched my car closer and closer but just as I was in the perfect position a large pickup truck came down the road from the other direction and caused the harrier to flush just as I was getting ready to push the shutter button.
That is the frustrating part of nature photography but a part that compels me to try again someday. If I always came home with perfect images I would probably give up photography and try something else.
Photographing nature can be quite frustrating but also quite rewarding as well. Even though I didn’t get the angle on this bird I was hoping for I am pretty pleased with what I came home with nevertheless.
Northern harriers are a very common species of bird on the refuge. They can easily be found most of the year flying low above the grassy upland areas or alongside the gravel auto tour route in search of mice, voles and small birds. I have also watched them scavenge on a bit of duck and shorebird carcasses when the opportunity presents itself.
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The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is just shy of 80,000 acres of protected marsh and upland habitat, suitable for a variety of birds. It is a fantastic place to come and photograph nature as well as just to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of modern society.
You can find out more about the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge by visiting their website, which has their contact information as well as social media outlets.
I also suggest following my blog here by signing up for blog post notifications via email in the footer section below. I spend a great amount of time on the refuge with my camera throughout the year so if you are unable to visit the refuge I hope my blog can help give some sense of what a wonderful place it is for anybody who appreciates nature.
