I have long wanted to capture an iconic image of the majestic Northern Harrier. Noble in flight, novel in appearance and graceful on the hunt, I find them to be one of the noblest raptors. For me, they have also been an elusive subject.

This Harrier was hunting the edge of a treeline when I first saw him. The light was right, so I aimed my camera in a small space between the trees and waited for him to fly through. I was not disappointed.

Reviewing this image in my studio, I immediately thought of the legend of Icarus, wings outstretched in defiance of gravity, flying nobly in the Cretian sky. I think the highly diffused cloud, appearing like a halo, behind the raptors head lends to this belief. Of course, I do not expect this Harrier to have the same results.
Shoot Date: December 14, 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Aperture priority ¹⁄₂₅₀₀ sec at f/6.3 ²⁄₃ EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 800