Adult female Northern Harrier. Thanks to Ryan Brady's ID

 Thanks to Ryan Brady for IDing this Northern Harrier.

These photo were taken on WI Hwy 63 south of Clayton WI.  They were taken yesterday on a quick trip down to the Twin Cities. Saturday night we slept in our Little Guy camper. First trip out this year.  Thanks to Joe and Barb for "hosting" our overnight stay. Saturday night we had some thunderstorms pass through. Lots of lightening, thunder and rain. What followed was warm temperatures. 

On our trip back this morning we rode with windows open from River Falls to just south of Grand View. Temps drop from mid sixties to mid forties in about a five mile stretch. Fog from 118 and 63 intersection to Ashland.

Easter weekend offerings.

This Ringneck Pheasant was crossing the road near the local hospital.


This Ringneck Pheasant was crossing the road near the local hospital.


There is a small lesson in these two photos. Take the shot. Both of these pictures were taken through the windshield of my truck with little or no time to focus. This Northern Harrier was hunting a field south of Ashland on Hwy 63. When I first spotted it we were on an intersecting collision path. I slowed down and move to the road shoulder just as the bird cross the road in front of me. Photos could have been a little sharper but not bad considering the circumstances.

Wildlife galore!

Otter with a bluegill for lunch. This photo was taken on Marengo Lake by Carol Seago. The pancakes and fresh home made maple syrup was great. Thanks Carol and Brian.



Redtail Hawk leaving it's perch.


Bald Eagle in the Prentice WI area along Hwy 8.


Bald Eagle in the Prentice WI area along Hwy 8.



American Kestrel along Sanborn Ave south of Ashland.


Northern Harrier hunting the fields south of Ashland on Sanborn Ave.

Raptors over Long Bridge / Head of the Bay.

Immature Bald Eagle.


Immature Bald Eagle.


Immature Bald Eagle.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Adult male.


Northern Harrier. Juvenile.

Other highlights of the day.

Northern Harrier hunting over a field north of Washburn WI.


I believe this ball of hay must have a mouse or vole in it. I watched this Harrier repeat this "capture" several times over a 30 minute period. It would fly off and land (in the distance) with the "bundle" and then spend several minutes picking away at it.


Sandhill Cranes passing overhead while I was watching the Harrier.



Flowering (florets) of a Pussy Willow. notice the fly in the center of the flower. One step closer to summer.

Birding Ashland's southern fields. Harrier,Eagle and Kestrel.

Northern Harrier hunting from this fence line.


Northern Harrier hovering over prey.


Northern Harrier hovering over prey.


Northern Harrier hovering over prey.


American Kestrel.


American Kestrel.


Bald Eagle with Whitetail Deer carcus.


Bald Eagle with Whitetail Deer carcus.