In the Hawk Pasture

What I call the "hawk pasture" is an open hay meadow tucked into the foothills of Wyoming's southern Wind River Mountains. Irrigation water and a water gap for cattle provide a draw for a variety of wildlife, but this year the birds that have taken over, including sandhill cranes, sage grouse, a pair of Northern Harriers, and a short-eared owl. The harriers and owl are competitors, and it has been a pleasure to watch both species hunt during the daylight hours. Here's a few shots of the harrier pair as they chased a coyote away from their turf. (Click on image to see larger version.)