Tag Archives: Northern Harrier

Hawk Day on the Flyway: Mr. North and DNF tango!

December 14, 2021: A Rough-Legged Hawk hovers on the Flyway

It was hawk day on the Flyway! We saw a rough-legged hawk hovering, northern harriers and rough-legged hawks flying, and two Northern Harriers perching – the first time that we’ve ever seen two together! Migration patterns can alter as populations change and habitat increases or diminishes. I would love to see more of them using the Mississippi Flyway – the large treed islands aren’t harrier habitat, but open islands and sandbars are excellent places for open ground hunters like these.

Eagles and Coyotes and Harriers, Oh My!

December 13, 2021: A Northern Harrier

Eagles and coyotes and harriers, oh my! Winter has finally arrived and the solstice is almost here. As the ice begins to thicken, coyotes step out on to the Mississippi river. The ice is easier to travel than the underbrush next to the river and is, in the middle of a highly populated area, quite remote. Coyotes can move around, access new food resources, travel relatively unbothered, and chase Northern harriers in broad daylight. Mr. North and DNF are deep