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I saw this Northern Harrier sitting on a post as I drove by. I turned around to get a picture of it and as I got near , it took off flying. I had my wife steer the truck as I took the picture out the window. Lucky for me it stayed right over the dirt road. It was carrying a mouse in its talons.

 

The soaring redtails were about 300 yards down from where I had seen the dark phased redtail the other day. 

 

great photos i love them!!   Have you ever seen a mountain bluebird ?

great photos i love them!!   Have you ever seen a mountain bluebird ?

great photos i love them!!   Have you ever seen a mountain bluebird ?

The first bird is not a Northern Harrier, but a beautiful picture of a Swainson hawk!

Thanks for the correction on the Swainson's.

Swainson's are one of my favorite raptors and they are currently returning from their southern wintering grounds. You can see the white throat and rufous bib, and the flight feathers are dark. On the Northern Harrier, the underwing is lined along the perimeter with black, and I believe the black on the tips cover a bit more. Those are some great photo's! Thanks for sharing!

We have these by the hundreds around Southwestern New Mexico. I see them every day. Golden eagles are common also.

Yes, a Swainson's hawk

Amazing pictures!!

I am so jealous you could get a picture like that! I'm always excited when your posts come up.

 

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~Makachoa~

Fantastic Pictures!!! I saw my first Swainson's Yesterday but my photos are not any where close to that. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where are you located as it seems that  it must be in great raptor country.

FANTASTIC photos my friend.  Wow.

 Another way to tell the harrier is by the white rump, which you can really see when it flies.

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Don't cry because it's over, smile because you were there.

Thanks for the compliments on the pictures. Hope you enjoy what I post. I am in Southwestern New Mexico and yes, it is defiantly raptor country. I am a falconer and everyday on my way to the field to fly my Harris Hawk or golden eagle, I usually see 3 or 4 goldens sitting on the power poles. I also see on a daily basis, ferruginous hawks, kestrels, Coopers Hawks,Northern Harriers and Swainson's Hawks. On occasion I see prairie falcons and every once in a great while I see a peregrine . I have seen a couple of bald eagles when the weather is cold here. We also have 10 different hummingbirds located here although they are seasonal. They should be coming in soon as the weather has turned warm. Can't wait.

When I get down that way later this Spring I'm gonna ask you to show me where that is!

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Chris from Denver

Chris,

Come on down and I'll show you the area. There is also supposed to be a new "Basque" between Deming and Las Cruses near the Rio Grande river. Its supposed to have a grand opening this summer. I'll see if I can get more info on it. Just let me know when you are coming.