Kip’s Comments - February 1, 2026

25-years and Flight Patterns and Wing Colorations

Today is a special day. On this day I am beginning my 25th year of posting “A Picture A Day” without missing a single day. Sometimes I had to wait until I had Internet connectivity or time, but I have photographed and shared an image from each day, now beginning my 25th year.

Late this afternoon I checked out an area for possible short-eared owls. While I did not see any short-eared owls, there were other birds of prey active in the sky. I was able to quickly recognize two species by their flight patterns and confirmed my thoughts by wing colorations - especially on the undersides of the wings.

Northern harriers tended to fly low and jerked around as they hunted for rodents. I watched as one harrier saw something in the grass, dropped from the sky, and then returned to the air clutching its treasure in its talons.

Northern Harrier in Flight - Image 1061023

Northern Harrier in Flight - Image 1061042

Northern Harrier in Flight - Image 1061056

Northern Harrier in Flight - Image 1061061

Rough-legged hawks tended to hover much higher in the sky and moved less distances as they hunted their prey.

Rough-legged Hawk in Flight - Image 1061072

Rough-legged Hawk in Flight - Image 1061073

Rough-legged Hawk in Flight - Image 1061078

Rough-legged Hawk in Tree - Image 1061091

Finally, I will add another adult bald eagle view. This one was waiting for me to leave so it could feed on fresh raw meat not far from the road.

Adult Bald Eagle in Corn Stubble - Image 1060971