8/13/14

NZ Harrier

When Hubby suddenly stopped the car as we drove around the Napier countyside, I knew something exciting was afoot. He drove slowly back a few meters and there was this beauty, standing in the water in a ditch.  S/He let me take several photos just feet a meter or so away.  Hubby turned the car around and he took some shots from the other side of the road before this fabulous bird took off.



Whether this is a falcon or a hawk, I don't know. But I do know that is it usually quite an elusive bird. Click here for more information about it.

One flies around our house all the time (we call him 'Twitchy') but never gets close unless we provide some easy food. Even then, getting photos is not easy.  So, I am happy to have seen this more patient bird that let us shoot til our hearts' content.




34 comments:

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Now THAT is a beaut! Worthy of a WoW moment! YAM xx

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful bird! I love raptors.

Breathtaking said...

How lucky for you that this Harrier let you take these fabulous photos.

Amy Burzese said...

Awesome! Beautiful creature. Lucky you.

Anonymous said...

wow- how fortunate you were to have been able to capture this bird in photos!The eyes are amazing...

StarTraci said...

Wow! What a catch! Very beautiful.
:-)
Traci

Unknown said...

A gorgeous bird! I love the second shot.

eileeninmd said...

A gorgeous bird and awesome closeups! Well done!

BumbleVee said...

Wow!! The full face shot is amazing!!

Judith said...

Georgeous pictures! And an incredible bird.
Love your captures!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wonderful pictures and your husband is definitely a keeper! He not only stops the car for pictures (which is a definite plus in itself) but he even spots the birds himself while he's driving. Now that's a perfect bloggers husband ~)).

Susan said...

Those are beautiful close ups of a handsome bird! I know you were excited to finally get some photos of one. Thank you for sharing them.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a good picture of this bird!

Jenn Jilks said...

What an amazing creature, and well-shot photos! I am so impressed!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

thewovenspoke said...

What a great experience on the roadside. I really like the second photo.

Valerie said...

Fabulous captures Bettyl. Thank you for sharing (and for visiting my blog)

Forest Dream Weaver said...

What a great photo opportunity.....lovely photos!
Thanks for sharing this.....

Happy weekend,
Ruby

Rajesh said...

Awesome closeup of the Harrier.

eileeninmd said...

Betty, stopping back to say Thank you for sharing your Harrier post with Saturday's Critters. Have a happy weekend!

Carole M. said...

great having an extra pair of eyes watching out for you!! Fabulous photo shoot Betty. Secret: that location you were in - it's my middle name, honestly :)

Ileana said...

Great photo!!!

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Lucky you Bettyl - these are awesome shots!

I've lived here all my life and I've never seen one - hopefully one day I'll get lucky!

Shane

Indrani said...

Wow! You got it close. It must have been thirsty after a heavy meal. :)

EG CameraGirl said...

How amazing that the Harrier allowed you take photos from so close up!

TexWisGirl said...

nice sighting so close!

Anni said...

Those eyes!!! What a gorgeous bird. Excellent images.

Come on over and link up this post to add to the list, if you'd like!

Hannah said...

Beautiful shots, what a handy husband! I like the shading in the feathers, and hawk's eyes always seem a little cross-eyed to me. Great closeups!

Anonymous said...

Nothing like our husbands to help see small things at times. Beautiful capture,

Stewart M said...

Wow! Thats a great set of pictures - luck to be able to get that close.

I wonder if he had been bumped about a bit, and was just getting his act together!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Anni said...

Like I mentioned yesterday...those eyes! They're hypnotic.

Thanks for sharing your link this weekend at the Bird D'Pot.

NatureFootstep said...

what a great experience. :)

Roan said...

You are lucky! Not only that you found and were able to photograph this lovely creature, but also that you have a husband who will actually stop without your yelling "stop!".

cedarmerefarm said...

How lucky you are to have seen this elusive bird up close! It's gorgeous!

Inspired By June said...

Definitely an exciting moment, Betty! Great shots! So glad you had this opportunity, and even more glad you shared it with us!