Raptors

The last few weekends I've gotten out in search of raptors.  Here are two of my favorites.  It's funny how photography is so much like fishing, always hoping for the great encounter.

 

Either a Sharp Shinned Hawk or a Coopers, it's difficult to tell as they are identical in markings but the size difference is the indicator and they can overlap in size.   These high stung hunter mostly feed on small birds and rodents.

A male Northern Harrier hunting.  These birds feed on both small rodents and small birds.  I love seeing the work a field hovering just like this over the ground only to pounce when a meal if found.