Nor is it a seal. Because I didn’t see any whales or seals this week in Nantucket. Unfortunately, our whale cruise was cancelled three times due to lack of interest from other tourists. We also got shut out on the seals as the area that they usually frequent was closed off due to the nesting piping plovers. What I was able to photograph (other than the aforementioned plovers) was this northern harrier hawk. This guy is a juvenile and we saw him hunting low to the ground just beyond the dunes of Great Point. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/8000th of a second
Very nice. It would be well worth your time to spend a few days at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury, MA [south of Newburyport]. Fall migration is superb there from late September to late October. There are a few resident harriers, along with eagles, osprey, red tails, merlins, etc. And the waterfowl migration will be in full swing. If you do go, stop by their state-of-the-art Visitor’s Center. I’ll be going for 2-3 in mid-October. It’s a magical place with so much wildlife because of the varied topography. You have the dunes, the long stretches of beaches on one side and the salt pannes on the other. It was over-run by snowy owls last winter. We’re waiting to see if the same will happen this year.
I saw my first snowy owl at Parker River many years ago. My mother lives in Gloucester so I’ve visited the Wildlife Refuge a few times while visiting her. I heard that last year was great for the owls but, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it up. I’m overdue for a visit (to see my mother that is) so hopefully I can get up there sometime this fall.
A few weeks back a Red Tail Hawk paid me a visit on our back deck in Cheshire, CT. While doing yard work I heard it screeching in the woods. I came in and load and behold there it sat on my deck’s fence post. An unexpected surprise. I had enough time to take a photo through the glass and to get my son out of the shower to witness this majestic creature. Thanks for sharing, Sorry you did not get to see the whales and seals, next time.
Always great to see hawks around no matter where you are. We used to get a red tailed hawk across the street from my office in Madison Square Park in the middle of Manhattan — no doubt, hunting the multitude of squirrels.
I’m more impressed by the clear blue sky than the actual bird. Ok, he’s nice too. My brother saw a whale about 50 yrds. offshore at Bethany Beach a couple weeks ago. Took a picture too. No tour needed.
Hunting squirrels “or” bringing you a message of sorts from beyond, as some Indian tribes believe. I wonder if there is an element of truth in those old beliefs. Here is an example of one post I found on this subject :“The hawk is a messenger bird. Usually when we see a hawk it means to pay attention because a message is coming to you. Hawks represent clear sightedness, being observant, our far memory and guardianship. They also bring courage, wisdom, illumination, creativity and truth. Hawks give us the ability to see the larger picture in life. They can help you to overcome problems and make wise use of opportunities. How does this all happen? Each animal carries what we call ‘medicine’. What I have written above is the hawks medicine. When the same animal keeps coming to you in real life or in a dream, it is bringing it’s medicine to you. You will be brought a message soon, a good one, to let you know you are on the right path. And whatever problems you are wrestling with, you will solve because hawks medicine has been given to you. I know this because I am a traditional Shawnee (American Indian) and I have learned these things are true.”
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Nor is it a seal. Because I didn’t see any whales or seals this week in Nantucket. Unfortunately, our whale cruise was cancelled three times due to lack of interest from other tourists. We also got shut out on the seals as the area that they usually frequent was closed off due to the nesting piping plovers. What I was able to photograph (other than the aforementioned plovers) was this northern harrier hawk. This guy is a juvenile and we saw him hunting low to the ground just beyond the dunes of Great Point.
great pic. of the hawnkp. that is looking for his dinner.
A whale of an image—-Enough to seal the deal for me—-Take nature as it comes. Welcome back.
Very nice. It would be well worth your time to spend a few days at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury, MA [south of Newburyport]. Fall migration is superb there from late September to late October. There are a few resident harriers, along with eagles, osprey, red tails, merlins, etc. And the waterfowl migration will be in full swing. If you do go, stop by their state-of-the-art Visitor’s Center. I’ll be going for 2-3 in mid-October. It’s a magical place with so much wildlife because of the varied topography. You have the dunes, the long stretches of beaches on one side and the salt pannes on the other. It was over-run by snowy owls last winter. We’re waiting to see if the same will happen this year.
Hi Rachel,
I saw my first snowy owl at Parker River many years ago. My mother lives in Gloucester so I’ve visited the Wildlife Refuge a few times while visiting her. I heard that last year was great for the owls but, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it up. I’m overdue for a visit (to see my mother that is) so hopefully I can get up there sometime this fall.
Beautiful! I’ll take this shot up to the hawk watch.
Gorgeous image! Love hawks!
A few weeks back a Red Tail Hawk paid me a visit on our back deck in Cheshire, CT. While doing yard work I heard it screeching in the woods. I came in and load and behold there it sat on my deck’s fence post. An unexpected surprise. I had enough time to take a photo through the glass and to get my son out of the shower to witness this majestic creature. Thanks for sharing, Sorry you did not get to see the whales and seals, next time.
Hey Donna,
Always great to see hawks around no matter where you are. We used to get a red tailed hawk across the street from my office in Madison Square Park in the middle of Manhattan — no doubt, hunting the multitude of squirrels.
Now that is a beautiful bird.
I’m more impressed by the clear blue sky than the actual bird. Ok, he’s nice too. My brother saw a whale about 50 yrds. offshore at Bethany Beach a couple weeks ago. Took a picture too. No tour needed.
Hunting squirrels “or” bringing you a message of sorts from beyond, as some Indian tribes believe. I wonder if there is an element of truth in those old beliefs. Here is an example of one post I found on this subject :“The hawk is a messenger bird. Usually when we see a hawk it means to pay attention because a message is coming to you. Hawks represent clear sightedness, being observant, our far memory and guardianship. They also bring courage, wisdom, illumination, creativity and truth. Hawks give us the ability to see the larger picture in life. They can help you to overcome problems and make wise use of opportunities. How does this all happen? Each animal carries what we call ‘medicine’. What I have written above is the hawks medicine. When the same animal keeps coming to you in real life or in a dream, it is bringing it’s medicine to you. You will be brought a message soon, a good one, to let you know you are on the right path. And whatever problems you are wrestling with, you will solve because hawks medicine has been given to you. I know this because I am a traditional Shawnee (American Indian) and I have learned these things are true.”
Brilliant image. Crisp and sharp as one would expect from a pro like you. Amazing! 🙂