Northern Harrier enjoys a meal of mouse

These hawks have always proven elusive for me. They are quite skittish and their flight patterns have them flying erratically and low to the ground making them tough to zero in on. Much to my surprise, I came across this female today just as she snagged a meal. Best of all, she let me grab some pictures of her chowing down before she decided she preferred privacy for the rest of her meal. It was a good morning for me, a good meal for the raptor and a really, really bad day for the mouse. 😉

Taken in Commerce City, Colorado.  Scroll down to view the complete series.

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous Hawk

Darn! Blew the launch shot.

Female Northern Harrier has mouse for breakfast

Female Northern Harrier has mouse for breakfast

Female Northern Harrier has mouse for breakfast

Female Northern Harrier has mouse for breakfast

Female Northern Harrier has mouse for breakfast

Female Northern Harrier has mouse for breakfast

Female Northern Harrier has mouse for breakfast

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt

Northern Harrier on the hunt