npaprock
September Raptor - Northern Harrier
Wild Caught. September 20, 2014. Goshutes Raptor Migration Station, Nevada.
Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) are amazing raptors. A cross between diurnal raptor and owl (look at that facial disc!), these low-flying birds cruise hillsides, open country, wetlands, and agricultural areas looking for birds and small mammals to pounce on.
Harriers hunt low, facing their head down and listening for the slightest sound that might indicate prey movement. Their owl-like facial disc collects sound and amplifies it, just like a parabolic microphone.
Notoriously difficult to trap, little is known about Northern Harrier migratory and seasonal movements. This hatch-year male was trapped in September at the Goshutes Raptor Migration Site in northeastern Nevada by biologists working for HawkWatch International. A uniquely numbered band was placed on the bird. Hopefully it will be trapped again to help biologist learn more about Northern Harrier migratory movements.
September Raptor - Northern Harrier
Wild Caught. September 20, 2014. Goshutes Raptor Migration Station, Nevada.
Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) are amazing raptors. A cross between diurnal raptor and owl (look at that facial disc!), these low-flying birds cruise hillsides, open country, wetlands, and agricultural areas looking for birds and small mammals to pounce on.
Harriers hunt low, facing their head down and listening for the slightest sound that might indicate prey movement. Their owl-like facial disc collects sound and amplifies it, just like a parabolic microphone.
Notoriously difficult to trap, little is known about Northern Harrier migratory and seasonal movements. This hatch-year male was trapped in September at the Goshutes Raptor Migration Site in northeastern Nevada by biologists working for HawkWatch International. A uniquely numbered band was placed on the bird. Hopefully it will be trapped again to help biologist learn more about Northern Harrier migratory movements.