The Northern harrier is one of the most majestic and distinctive American raptors. Known for its graceful flight and elegant plumage, the “marsh hawk” draws the attention of birders in wetland habitats across North America.

But migratory birds like the Northern harrier have been decimated by the loss of wetlands. Since its settlement, the continental U.S. has lost more than 50 percent of its historical 220 million wetland acres. For this reason, the Wetlands Reserve Program has worked for the past 20 years to revitalize wetland resources.