Northern Harriers - sexual dimorphism in birds of prey

Male (bottom) and female (inset) northern harriers photographed at Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary, Vernon.

I was fortunate enough to photograph both sexes of northern harrier today.  Early in the morning, I walked the 1.8 km pathway in the sanctuary and later on, my wife and I kayaked beside it.  I photographed the male on my walk and the female while kayaking.

Between the two of them, I took 48 photos.  They ranged over a wide area and the two photos above represent the best of the bunch.  I also got a photo of crows harassing the female, but they are too blurry to present here.  These two images are the best shots I have ever gotten of the northern harrier.

Females are larger and dominant to the males, but males may breed with multiple females.  While the female tends the nest (which is on the ground), the male provides food.  

Every time I see one, I have the sense that it may be an owl.  These birds have the most owl-like face of all the raptors.  They also rely on sound more than other birds of prey; they can locate prey by sound alone, whereas most other raptors rely on their eyesight.

It was great seeing both sexes today and getting some decent photos.  I also saw a Cooper's hawk and a breeding pair of osprey.  There were numerous mature bald eagles two days ago.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com