Posted by Mark Wilson on January 31, 2008 at 10:07 AM
A record shot from spending all of Tuesday on Plum Island, MA. In the afternoon 3 Short-eared Owls put on a fantastic display between lots 1 & 2 (roughly the first half mile after the gatehouse).
The highlight for me (as a lifelong birder) was to witness the interaction between the Northern Harriers and Owls - I watched one Harrier (above) steal prey from the Owls on 3 seperate occasions. I noticed that the Harrier would sit on top of a tree and wait for the Owls to make a catch then it would start it's pursuit.
On two occasions a second Owl would try to help, but in the end, the Owls would drop the prey and the Harrier catch it in mid-air.
Not the technically best shot from the day but I liked the interaction. And yes, its cropped from horizontal
1D2N, 500/4, 1.4x, handheld
Posted by Mark Wilson on January 31, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Thanks Bob. This winter's regular dark immature Snowy is normally between Wardens and North Pool overlook (always too far to photograph), and there are two others that are seen occasionally. One tends to sit out on the marsh between the gatehouse and PI Bridge. I haven't a clue about the Eagles...
Posted by Jim Deasy on January 31, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Mark,
Great shot! Must be great to have the time "on the hunt" payoff !!
Discussion
3 repliesThe highlight for me (as a lifelong birder) was to witness the interaction between the Northern Harriers and Owls - I watched one Harrier (above) steal prey from the Owls on 3 seperate occasions. I noticed that the Harrier would sit on top of a tree and wait for the Owls to make a catch then it would start it's pursuit.
On two occasions a second Owl would try to help, but in the end, the Owls would drop the prey and the Harrier catch it in mid-air.
Not the technically best shot from the day but I liked the interaction. And yes, its cropped from horizontal
1D2N, 500/4, 1.4x, handheld
Great shot! Must be great to have the time "on the hunt" payoff !!