Spotted Harrier

Driving north on the Thompson Development Road towards Longreach across a Mitchell Grass plain we came upon a Spotted Harrier. The bird was hunting low along the boundary between the green roadside grassy vegetation and the straw coloured pure Mitchell Grass plain beyond. Using a moderately strong NE wind, the bird did not need to use any flapping flight at all. We followed the bird for about a kilometre when it took a break giving me time to get out of the car with the camera and take some photos including a couple of flight shots as it took off to continue hunting along the roadside.  

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Watching such a beautiful raptor hunt as we followed in the car and then having the opportunity for some photos was a great privilege, and one of the joys of outback travel.