Harriers, or hawks as many people call them, are a very common bird of the New Zealand countryside. However, it is interesting how many bird photographers have never gotten a good harrier photo. The reason is that they are very timid, and will not stay around when humans are near. We often see them on fence posts alongside the roadway, and I don't know how many times I've attempted photos here. Several times I have got lucky, and during a recent trip in Taranaki, we found one well placed by the road. We continued further on, then returned back, but at ready for a photo, as a harrier only gives you a couple of seconds before it flies.
