Northern Harriers do a lot of play-fighting but this one looked pretty serious.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This short series of two consecutive photos in a burst was taken some years ago in the White Rock Bay area of Antelope Island. Back then harriers nested reliably in the phrags near the shore but these photos were taken in February so the fight must have been a dispute over hunting territory.
The birds were far away and this photo is a little soft but I wanted to include it for the context it provides to the next one taken 1/10 second later. The harrier on the right appears to be the aggressor so the…
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
second harrier began a steep dive in an effort to avoid its outstretched talons. The action happened so fast that even at this distance these are the only two photos I got before one of the birds left the frame and I lost focus.
They’re only documentary quality images but harrier fights are hard to photograph so I’m happy to have them. To be honest I didn’t even remember they existed until last night when I stumbled across them while looking for something else.
Ron
Looks like there might be some blood on the “second” harrier’s feet. Inigo (thanks Arwen — it’s perfect!) must be really angry that the trespasser actually got some snacks. Inigo also looks like he’s got a tail feather coming in.
Yes, there’s blood on that bird’s feet Marty.
What can I say, Marty? I love that movie. 🙂
There really is something about the Harrier’s face and open beak — when that bird is mad, it really shows! I would not want to be on the receiving end of either those talons or that beak! I do remember you posted photos of two young ones playing with a cow pie —they were definitely having fun!
Wow, good memory Chris. That cow pie post was a long time ago.
I saw a lot of herrier fights the day I walked the dikes in Farmington. I think I found a location that the recent east wind floated all the dead from duck hunt, or else a hunter who just hunts for fun and did not use the meat. There were multiple dead birds frozen in the ice not far from the reed edge on the south pond. All too far for my lens from where I was along the dike. I am not into reed bushwhacking like the hunters. Also, I am always leery after knowing you and reading you blog about baiting. There were bald eagles in the area eating the dead birds, who know maybe a photographer has a hide in the area. it would be a nice set up for photos with the right lens and walking through the reeds a short distance. Have you ever walked out on the south road from the four way and then towards Bountiful dump?
April, I’ve only walked a short distance on that south road. With my bad back long walks aren’t part of my routine any more. I’ve driven it a couple of times though, both times with permission of course. On one of them we were helping Justina with the eagle count.
Yet another reminder that you NEED someone to go through your files. There are a number of us who would gladly volunteer if not for the tyranny of distance. And what a time we would have.
I would hate to be at the pointy end of those talons and the so evident aggression – but love to be able to see it for myself.
“you NEED someone to go through your files”
EC, I think you’d find fewer photos of any value than you think you would. Since I’ve been blogging I’ve been finding quite a few of those hidden gems and posting them so these days new ones are becoming harder to find.
I strongly suspect you are wrong – and KNOW that we would have a fine time trying.
I agree, the quest is half the fun.
I will volunteer to help EC! I know we’ll find some gems!
Like most raptors, Northern Harrier faces have a stern look, but the Red Baron on the right looks downright pissed.
You forgot you took these photos? Kind of like buried treasure.
Yup, forgot all about them Lyle. The image quality isn’t great so as the years passed they just slipped my mind.
WOW! This did look serious! Amazing how those seemingly skinny legs could inflict much damage tho the “needle” talons give one a clue! 😉
On another note, if I’m “hearing” correctly we have a LEO in the area…😄 Will have to look for it during the day….
Good luck with the Long-eared Owl, Judy. I’ve only photographed one of them, ever.
Only one I’ve seen is the one, last summer I believe, that got wiped out by a vehicle……..😞 This one there was no answer to it’s call….
Wow! I’ve never seen this. I’m a little confused by the warm wash of yellow on their underparts. Age and Sex? Maybe they all look the same below when the wings are raised?
Nancy, part of that color is due to the warm early morning light. I made no color adjustments during processing.
I believe these are two birds are in first year plumage. The winner’s eyes are still dark, too. I don’t know how to sex them before they attain their adult plumage.
Stunning photography Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte Norton
Thank you, Charlotte.
That first look on the aggressor is intense! That’s a “hello. My name is Inigo MonHarrier. You trespassed! Prepare to die!”
Yup, that’s not a happy bird.
I have watched the Harriers many times in playful aerial acrobatics, but never in anger. You can see how serious these two are. Once I even saw our female Harrier having fun in playful mode with two Red-tails who appeared to be young. They carried on for about ten minutes and seemed to be having great fun. Thanks for once again providing us with morning entertainment.
Thanks, Everett. It’s often easy to tell how serious their fights are. In my experience with harriers more often than not they’re only sparring playfully. This fight felt different.