It is very difficult to get close to a harrier, they are extremely wary of human approach. Recently I spotted a young harrier feeding on an animal rib cage on the sand of the Whanganui Estuary. I approached close in my vehicle and before stopping the bird was well gone. I waited quietly, and 15 minutes later he was back. I snapped some pictures, then moved 10 metres closer, and as soon as I moved, he flew again. However, waiting 15 minutes, and back he came. I moved closer once more, and things repeated themselves. He returned, and this time I was ready, and very close. I obtained the best pictures I have of this bird in action - so very satisfying. In the last 15 months the estuary has turned up many good birds, and not just waders and waterbirds.
