Circus cyaneus

A male Northern Harrier at Arcata Marsh this evening. This is the same species as the Hen Harrier, found throughout Eurasia. This species was once called a Marsh Hawk, given that it frequently inhabits wetlands, hunting low over the landscape for small mammals. Birds make up a relatively small portion of this raptor's diet, but it sure does spook the crap out of the ducks and shorebirds whenever it flies too closely to them.