The harrier is a distinctive hawk that flies low over grasslands searching for mice and voles.
Northern Harriers can be seen in the fields around Kootenay Lake at any time of the year, but they are never common. My sightings have been from the south end of the Lake in January (raptor rapture), the north end in April (Lardeau walk) and the West Arm in September (harrier at Park). However, the harrier pictures shown below were taken at the Coast (of BC).
The brownish female harrier has her head tipped down as she searches for grassland comestibles.
The greyish male harrier does likewise.
That harriers cruise low to the ground enables this view of a female from above.
And she alighted nearby allowing a portrait.
Your postings show amazing photos and interesting facts about the subject. Thank you for sharing your hobby!
Outstanding photos.
The photo of the cruising female is stunning, Alistair. It looks almost like a painting. What beautiful eyes she has. As always, thank you for sharing your natural history interests, curiosity, and marvellous photography skills.