What type of hawk?

[Maestro]

I thought this might be a merlin or cooper's hawk but I have pretty much decided it is not a cooper's hawk since it had yellow eyes and cooper's hawks have red. It could be a prarie falcon also, but I am not sure. Here are some poorly composed in flight shots and a few on the ground when it was resting.

[greendog]

1. Northern Harrier...female n/t

[Maestro]

2. Wow. I wasn't expecting that.

She sure was pretty even though my photos don't show it. Thanks.

[greendog]

3. Look for the white patch at the base of the tail...

...also, typically, harriers are seen flying fairly close to the ground (20 - 30 ft) looking for dinner.

Males are pale gray on top and white underneath.

[semillama]

4. Also note the facial disc in your last photo

Sort of like in owls, as Northern Harriers also rely on hearing almost as much as sight while hunting.

[Maestro]

5. Thanks.

DU birders are right on! I am going to try to go back this weekend and get some decent pictures of the Northern Harrier and the Kestrels that were all around. I need the big Sigmonster 300-800mm lens or at the very least the Canon 600mm but I haven't hit the lottery yet. ;)