Jim Coda Nature Photography

April 20, 2011Uncategorized

Northern Harrier Asks: “Are you finished?” Pt. Reyes National Seashore

Photo of a male northern harrier. — What are YOU looking at?

This male northern harrier looks like he’s getting fed up with something — maybe me. Birds seem to look that way sometimes. It reminds me of the mad duck image I posted here. Maybe it’s more like: “Oh no, not you again.” It’s funny, herbivores often look like they are smiling. See my post on the bison calf below. Also, the cow elk here. Carnivores seem to have more of a poker face, but even with them I’ve seen what looked like a smile. I’m thinking of this one wolf that seemed to be smiling. See this link. Of course, I should mention the always-smiling porpoises and dolphins. And then there are the chimpanzees who not only smile, but laugh. Maybe I need to spend more time doing landscape photography.

March 4, 2011Uncategorized

Northern Harrier, Point Reyes National Seashore

A Northern Harrier finishes A snack. — Northern Harrier, Point Reyes National Seashore

I went out to Point Reyes yesterday for the afternoon. Unfortunately, the fog rolled in about an hour or two before sunset. That wiped out my hope of getting a good image of some animal lit by the setting sun. Fortunately, this male harrier allowed me to photograph him midday. He had just eaten a lizard and, shortly thereafter, decided there was no good reason to remain on the ground.

January 29, 2011Uncategorized

Northern Harrier, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California

A northern harrier sits on a fence ost. — Northern Harrier, Point Reyes National Seashore

A female or, possibly juvenile, harrier stands on a fence post. Harriers (AKA marsh hawks) seem to live close to ground level. When I see them they are flying just above the ground or they are perched on something low, like a post, or standing on the ground. They even nest on the ground. Note the owl-like facial disc. Like owls, they use hearing as well as sight to help in locating prey. Another trait they share with owls is soft feathers which makes them quieter in flight.