Northern Harrier Hawk
Old Springfield Road, East Meadows, MASS Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton
Photograph and text by Derek Allard of Easthampton
While walking in the East Meadows at Arcadia in mid April, I looked up to see a large bird circling above. I initially guessed it would be a red-tailed hawk (commonly seen in this area) but I noticed a white rump and quickly realized that this was a northern harrier, which is somewhat unusual to see at a height like this. This bird typically hunts just above the ground in the fields looking for prey. This one was nice enough to circle right above for nice photo. Created with a hand held DSLR and a telephoto lens.
Derek Allard is affiliated with the Robert Floyd Photo Gallery, 2 East St., Southampton. It is open Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., also, by chance/appointment.